Why the Eagles can, should, and I think WILL sign Nnamdi Asomugha - In case you're unfamiliar with Nnamdi Asomugha, he plays cornerback for the Oakland Raiders, or at least he used to. This past season, in 14 games played, NFL quarterbacks only threw Asomugha's way 33 times. In other words, they don't even bother looking his way. Just 13 of those passes were completed for 205 yards, and no touchdowns. That translates to 0.9 catches allowed for 14.6 yards per game. That's just stupid good. Looking at his stats is actually comical. He only had 19 tackles and no interceptions, because again, NFL quarterbacks want no part of him. Compare his numbers to little-used Eagles rookie Trevard Lindley, and if you didn't know any better, you'd think Lindley had a better season.
[Besides Vick and Jackson's presumed contracts] there are a grand total of ZERO Eagles that will make in excess of $6 million in base salary in 2011. None. Only 2 will make over $5 million - Samuel is set to make $5,900,000 in salary. He'll make $8,400,000 in 2012 and $10,400,000 in 2012. The other highly paid Eagle, Jason Peters, will also only make $5,900,000 in salary, as his contract is also backloaded. Only SEVEN others will make as much as $2 million in salary - Leonard Weaver, Jeremy Maclin, Juqua Parker, Winston Justice, Trent Cole, Darryl Tapp, and Marlin Jackson. Marlin Jackson's chances of seeing that $2 million are somewhere between slim and none, and depending on the roster moves the Eagles make this season, it's debatable whether Justice will see the $2,700,000 that he's scheduled to earn, and if Juqua Parker will see his $3,500,000.
If you read one Nnamdi Asomugha to-the-Eagles article, make it this one. JimmyK at BleedingGreen breaks down the Eagles contract situation nicely and shows us why this deal is something the team can afford and should persue.
Asomugha/Samuel 2011!
