Nnamdi Asomugha, the top free agent cornerback in 2011, and widely considered the rival and equal of Darrelle Revis, signed a five-year $60 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, with $25 million of that guaranteed. Two disappointing seasons later, head coach Andy Reid has been bounced, many of the Eagles' flashy signings have been shown the door and rumors are swirling that Asomugha will be asked to restructure his deal or be cut.
New head coach Chip Kelly did not give a ringing endorsement of Asomugha at the Scouting Combine when he said "I think Nnamdi has the skill set ... that can play football." Asomugha's struggles were attributed to Philadelphia's defensive scheme early on, which called for Asomugha to be in the slot often and play a lot of zone coverage. In his heyday in Oakland, Asomugha's claim to fame was closing off an entire side of the field to opposing quarterbacks. His performance did not improve, though, once defensive coordinator Juan Castillo was relieved of his duties.
Asomugha, who is 31 years old, is due to make $15 million next year. In 2006, the best year of his career, he had eight interceptions and 19 pass defenses. He has never come close to that interception total again, but much of that was credited to passers growing more reluctant to throw his way.
Last year, Asomugha had 12 pass defenses, indicating that quarterbacks are no longer fearing him. In 2009, Asomugha was targeted just 29 times. In 2012, he was thrown at 66 times, and he allowed 44 receptions for 698 yards and five touchdowns. In his final three years in Oakland combined, Asomugha allowed 50 receptions for 592 yards and one touchdown.
Last season the Eagles were gashed through the air for 12.6 yards per catch, the sixth-worst total in the NFL and fourth-worst in the NFC.
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