Eagles Sign Star CB Nnamdi Asomugha

Nnamdi Asomugha

    Star cornerback and the most sought-after free agent Nnamdi Asomugha had many teams, it appeared, in the sweepstakes for his services, and on Friday, the Eagles won by giving Asomugha a 5 year, $60 million deal, with $25 million guaranteed. This, coming the day after the team traded back up QB Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals for a second round pick, and young but promising corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

    Asomugha is a shut down corner who spent his first eight seasons in Oakland. He was drafted in round one out of Cal by Oakland in 2003. He is a four time pro-bowler, with 11 career interceptions. That number may seem low, but it is because he is such a great defender that teams rarely throw the ball his way. He eliminates whichever receiver he is up against in the passing game. Asomugha is regarded as maybe the best corner in the NFL. He also was the top corner on USA Today's all decade team of 2000-2010.

    It looked like at first that Asomugha was headed to New York to play for the Jets. Along with arguably the other best corner, Darrelle Revis, they could have made the best pass defense in NFL history together. But apparently he declined the Jets offer, as well as offers from the 49ers, Bucs, and Texans. Now the Jets must look to re-sign Antonio Cromartie, who may be upset that the team ignored him for Asomugha, and may look to re-sign elsewhere. That leaves former first round pick Kyle Wilson, who is coming off a bad rookie season to start along side Revis.

    But in the end, Asomugha signed with a team many people did not know was pursing him, the Philadelphia Eagles, who now pair him up with Rogers-Cromartie and Asante Samuel. That may not be as good as it could have been in New York, but this still makes it the best CB group in the NFL, and has people talking that the Eagles may be the NFC favorite.

Rogers-Cromartie

    The Eagles allowed 31 passing touchdowns last year, a franchise worst. But with these additions of Rogers-Cromartie and especially Asomugha, that number should be much lower after this year.

   Philadelphia also added underrated DE Jason Babin. And as a replacement for Kolb, QB Vince Young.

   Bottom line, the Eagles are in it to win now. And they are sure in the makes of it with these big signings to really strengthen their defense. The offense will be fine once DeShaun Jackson ends his holdout, and once he is back this team looks ready to win the NFC East. I wouldn't say these moves make them the NFC favorite, but it really helps. Michael Vick will need to have a season like last, and the defense must play better. If all that happens, the Eagles are not a team to take lightly at all.