Free Agent Target - Priority #1 - Asomugha’s a FA

[WMH]

Let the bidding begin.......

Come on Bob/Rick - GET IN THIS GAME!!!!!

From PFT:

Asomugha’s contract voids, heading to free agency
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on January 9, 2011, 11:31 AM EST
If you thought firing Tom Cable annoyed Raiders fans, wait until they hear about this.

Adam Schefter of ESPN dropped a bombshell Sunday morning: Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha’s contract has voided because of a previously unknown option in his contract. Asomugha is headed for free agency.

Even the Raiders appear surprised by the development. They had a team option to keep Asomugha for the 2012 season at $16.8 million or the quarterback franchise tag number, whichever was higher. But Asomugha had a “little known” clause that said his deal would void if he didn’t achieve his not-likely-to-be-earned incentives in 2010.

Asomugha played fewer snaps in 2010 than 2009, and made fewer big plays. That voided the deal. So Asomugha’s quieter season works against the Raiders in a few ways.

The Raiders can’t stop Asomugha from leaving if he wants to go. The contract also says they can’t use the franchise or transition tag on him.

Only 30 and arguably the league’s best overall cornerback the last five years, Asomugha figures to become one of the highest paid defensive players in history whenever free agency starts up again.

[Nconroe]

That would be an excellent start for sure if Texans could land Asomugha.

This article quotes Kubes as saying he is best CB we have faced.
Apparently the least challenged CB in the league last year, only 27 passes his way all year.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nnamdi_Asomugha

He did have a hand and ankle injury this year it appears.

http://www.nfl.com/players/nnamdiaso...e?id=ASO415291

http://blogs.nfl.com/2010/10/31/asom...-ankle-injury/

[HPF Bob]

Now explain why he'd want to play for Houston.

[Joshua]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

Now explain why he'd want to play for Houston.

That's easy. Money.

[NBT]

There are other, more SB ready teams out there that he might relish more than just the money. That would not bode well for our chances.

[chuck]

I don't feel like starting another thread so I'll hijack this one. Watching the Green Bay - Philadelphia game is very, very depressing. Watching Clay Matthews and Tramon Williams make plays all over the place just reminds me emphatically of how bad the Texans' personnel decisions have been over the Rick Smith years.

[Joshua]

Originally Posted by NBT

There are other, more SB ready teams out there that he might relish more than just the money. That would not bode well for our chances.

Maybe but this is an argument that I hear a lot but I see little real world support for. I can think of very few, if any, players over the last 10 years who went into free agency and changed teams but took less to go to a winner. I ask this in all seriousness to the people that make the argument that free agents don't go to the highest bidder, can you name 5 guys (besides end of the career guys) who took less money to play for a winner? I can't. And didn't Nnamdi re-up with the Raiders 3 years ago despite the fact that they were terrible becasue they offered the most money? Just seems like an argument that sounds right but doesn't actually happen.

[Blitzwood]

Originally Posted by Joshua

That's easy. Money.

Bob McNair is not that kind of owner. He will not break the bank on FA. He's a business man first and foremost. I don't see us giving him 16+ mill/per for a CB.

Sorry. I'd love to be wrong though.

On the Matthews deal, he plays OLB in a 3-4 in GB, which is a stand up OLB. He basically played the same position at USC, think they called it the elephant line backer.

Cush played the SAM at USC and had an outstanding rookie season for us, this year he obviously struggled because of the loss of Demeco. But we basically got the same player in Connor Barwin(size, speed) in the second round that Matthews is today. Only difference is Barwin is playing end in a 4-3, and Matthews is playing OLB in a 3-4. We'll see how good Barwin looks next season playing OLB in our 3-4 after his injury. Hopefully he makes a full recovery.

The best we can hope for now is to draft Clay Matthews younger brother, Casey. For those not familiar with him, he'll be playing Monday night for Oregon. He'd be a nice insurance plan incase the coaches have some reservations about Barwin's leg.

[cland]

Originally Posted by Blitzwood

Bob McNair is not that kind of owner. He will not break the bank on FA. He's a business man first and foremost. I don't see us giving him 16+ mill/per for a CB.

Sorry. I'd love to be wrong though.

I considered this, but I think it's exactly what a business man should do. McNair cannot be immune to his customers reactions over a 6-10 season and his non-firing of Kubiak. Sure we're selling out the stadium, but we didn't keep it full. Less fans, less stadium business, less money...

With the lockout having a potential impact on season-ticket holders renewing their seats, there is one clear message he's going to need to deliver: It Won't Happen Again!

If Nnamdi costs 16 million per year, he can write off half of that from the marketing budget.

To get him, Bob needs to have a talk with Nnamdi's good friend Andre Johnson. And Andre needs to go something like, "Look man, you're badass and I'm badass--but neither of us has been rewarded for it. Now here's Bob's blank check, come down to Houston, and let's role through the playoff's together.

PS. You can cover Kevin Walter in practice."

[Blitzwood]

Originally Posted by Blitzwood

The best we can hope for now is to draft Clay Matthews younger brother, Casey. For those not familiar with him, he'll be playing Monday night for Oregon. He'd be a nice insurance plan incase the coaches have some reservations about Barwin's leg.

Speaking of which, Casey Matthews had a great game last light. Someone said Cush could play outside in a 3-4, but I don't think he's got the hips to turn on a dime or the speed. On the other hand, Casey showed he could run down a VERY mobile QB, and even showed a knack for the big play by causing a fumble while sacking Cam Newton.