The San Francisco 49ers have reportedly reached an agreement with CB Nnamdi Asomugha, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. ESPN’s Adam Shefter adds that the 6-2, 210-pound cornerback will receive a one-year deal worth up to $3 million in the upcoming 2013 season.
Asomugha chose to take his talents back to the Bay Area to play for the stacked 49ers over a reunion with former Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan with the New Orleans Saints after reportedly being courted by both secondary-needy teams.
Photo Credit: Raiders.com
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The former 2003 first-round pick (No. 31 overall) in college at University of California and during his eight seasons with the Oakland Raiders (2003-10), appearing in 122 games (99 starts) and registering a total of 310 tackles with 11 interceptions and two forced fumbles.
However, his press-man coverage skills set was never truly suited in the “Wide Nine” scheme which was used heavily during the last two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and he has struggled since signing as the top free agent on the open market in 2011.
There’s reason to believe that the two-time All-Pro cornerback can bounce back from two terrible seasons with the Eagles, as he now receives a fresh start with the team from the other side of the bay and joins a defense that could really use his size and skills set to help defend the pass better after struggling against Matt Ryan in the NFC Championship game and Joe Flacco in Super Bowl XLVII.
While it’s pretty clear Asomugha has gradually lost some of his confidence and speed in Philly, he could recapture the former with a clean start back in the Bay Area playing for a now perennial Super Bowl contender in a defensive scheme that’s more suited to his strengths.
Michael Gartman is a College Football and NFL Senior Writer, the AFC South and NFC West Lead Writer and the Founder, CEO of GridironGrit.com. He’s also about to start reporting on topics across all sides of the political spectrum and analyze important issues in the liberty movement for a political website. Follow him @_MichaelGartman on Twitter. Be sure to ‘like’ Gridiron Grit on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @GridironGrit to keep up with the latest coverage on college football, the NFL and more!
