In news that would be nothing short of a shock, it appears as if the Oakland Raiders are closing in on a long-term contract extension with Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. It's long been assumed that the Raiders would have to use the franchise tag on him for a second straight year, but the two sides are apparently close to a contract extension. Earlier in the day, Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee offered up a quick report that a deal could be close. Now, Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated claims Asomugha's agent, Tom Condon, has already forwarded a potential contract to the NFL for approval.
According to Trotter, the deal could guarantee the 27-year-old corner $26 million over the next two seasons. Trotter also reports that the deal could include an out-clause that would enable Asomugha to become a free agent after the 2010 season.
If this gets done, it's a gigantic step in the right direction for the Raiders, as Asomugha is clearly the best player on the team and one of the best players in the league at his position. He's only intercepted two passes the previous two seasons, mainly because nobody throws to his side of the field due to his incredible coverage skills.
It's been a somewhat busy offseason for the Raiders to this point, as they've already signed Chris Johnson to a four-year contract, and on Wednesday made Shane Lechler the highest-paid punter in NFL history. The jury is still out on Johnson's deal, but managing to keep Asomugha and Lechler in the mix is quite a score the Raiders.
UPDATE: Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports the Raiders and Asomugha have come to an agreement on a three-year deal worth between $45 and $50 million.
The first two years, worth $28.5 million, are fully guaranteed. In the third year of the contract, if Oakland wants to keep Asomugha, it must pay him the average of the top five highest-paid quarterbacks in the game or $16.875 million - whichever is greater. If the Raiders fail to pick up the option, Asomugha will become a free agent, with Oakland not having the ability to tag him again.Big day for the Raiders.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
>>Oakland wants to keep Asomugha, it must pay him the average of the top five highest-paid quarterbacks in the game or $16.875 million - whichever is greater
Is this right or should that be cornerbacks?
You know, I was wondering the same thing, but according to everything I've seen it really is "quarterbacks." Beyond that, the salary structure ($16 million)fits in with what the top-five quarterbacks would make.
Seems odd.
Great news. Considering the state of the AFC West this could the key to keeping us in contention next year.
From the Raider Nation: Keep Asomugha! Best corner in the league! The pieces are coming together! With a good draft and a few free agency pickups, we will be back!
The Raider nation must keep Asomugha, regardless of what the money is. Look at all that shit(players) that got top dollar for nothing. Get rid of dead weight, get some veteran receivers(because there's a few free agents out there) and a few draft picks on defense and we'll be back in the house!!! GO RAIDERS!