Going into this off-season one of the Lions’ biggest needs comes in the secondary, specifically at the corner back position.
Coincidently enough, one of the best shut-down corners in the league hit the free agent market in Nnamdi Asomugha. This came after the Crypt Keeper, Al Davis decided that an All-Pro corner simply didn’t fit too well with his team. With that being done, Asomugha instantly became one of the biggest free agent prizes this off-season, whenever that is free agency resumes in the NFL.
However, what are the chances that the Lions land Asomugha?
Well according to NFLDraftCity.com who cites sources close to Asomugha, the chances are likley that Asomugha is a Lion in 2011.
With the holes in the secondary and linebacking core still clearly an issue, it’s natural to draw the conclusion there would be interest in a top cornerback like Asomugha from Detroit, although it seems a little farfetched considering the Lions’ recent history of embarrassment including an 0-16 record just a few years ago. It is believed Nnamdi would like to join a perennial playoff team like the Packers or Eagles, and many seem to put the Lions in the same group as the star cornerback’s former team, another recent bottom feeder, Oakland Raiders. While many agree with that sentiment, others believe it won’t be long before the Lions return to respectability and may even reach the postseason as early as this upcoming season. NFLDraftCity.com’s Chris Habbo is reporting, according to sources close to Asomugha, he agrees with the latter opinion and would be interested in joining the Lions if the interest is mutual and both sides can come to term on a contract.
During the past few weeks, rumors were swirling that the Lions would pursue Asomugha this off-season once NFL free agency resumes. This news (if you can call it that) is still very new especially considering the sources are unnamed and unconfirmed.
If this report is true though I still question the Lions becoming involved since I’m assuming that any contract offered to Asomugha is going to be worth a ton of money. Obvioulsy Asomugha would be a huge addition and he would help the secondary tremendously however the Lions still have plenty of holes elsewhere and you wonder if the money would be better served spread out.
NFLDraftCity.com also says that if the Lions can’t get a deal done with Asomugha they may go after Cincinnati’s Jonathan Joseph or the Jets’ Antonio Cromartie.
Source: NFLDraftCity.com
