Quit Dreaming About Nnamdi Asomugha
July 23rd, 2011
Joe almost breaks out into uncontrollable laughter the way some Bucs fans pine for free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is worse than the way Joe pines for Rachel Watson or lusts over Courtney the Bartender.
Why, to read and hear the same Bucs fans carry on, it’s like this Asomugha is the cure for all the Bucs’ ills, that a Super Bowl ring is guaranteed with his acquisition.
Joe has detailed previously why this is sheer folly. Not only is a cornerback not a need, the Bucs have much bigger needs and holes to fill before they go throwing a bank vault at a cornerback.
It seems Peter King believes the same. On Twitter, the longtime SI NFL writer was asked where Asomugha will land and the Bucs were not among the teams King offered.
@Just_Nehpets: Where are the most likely places you see Nnamdi ends up?
@SI_PeterKing Guesswork: Dall, Phil, Hou, NYJ longshot. Hear he wants Jets.
Generally, what Captain Lou Albano wants with the Jets, Captain Lou Albano gets. And Captain Lou Albano makes no secret to how much he worships big-named cornerbacks.
If Captain Lou Albano is unable to re-sign Santonio Holmes — who would be a better pickup for the Bucs than Asomugha — Joe fully expects Captain Lou Albano to sign Asomugha.
July 23rd, 2011 at 5:07 pm
lol You must have been posting this while I was posting a comment on the last post/entry. I basically said the same things “Not only is a cornerback not a need, the Bucs have much bigger needs and holes to fill….”
Capt Tim is gonna hate this lol
OL is where a nice chunk of that cash should go, depending on the player we get. If we can yank one of the three OL free agents from ATL, that would be an upgrade. There are more(I already posted a few days ago.) and we need to give a serious look at a lot of them. The more tiome Freeman has in the poscket, the more time Blount has to build up starting speed, the more effective our offense will be all around.
Nnamdi won’t fix anything at all because nothing is broken in our secondary. “If it aint broken, don’t fix it.”
July 23rd, 2011 at 5:21 pm
jets are already commited 1 mill over the cap proposed for this year… so this should be interesting to
July 23rd, 2011 at 5:32 pm
… see how they manage getting him
July 23rd, 2011 at 5:36 pm
I see us picking up a vet DT before CB. If Price can’t come back this season, we can’t rely on Roy Miller. That dude inherited Michael Pittman’s ice skates…
July 23rd, 2011 at 5:37 pm
A more reliable source” the Sporting News” said thursday that he will end up in a bay- Tampa or Green! . We’ll know within 2 weeks, as Nnamdi is the number one Free agent, and wants to sign quickly.
Joe, weren’t you laughing when I said for 3 months we were drafting Clayborn.
It’s the last laugh that counts- and we ( and 59 million) are close.
July 23rd, 2011 at 5:46 pm
@HGO SOunds good. We without a doubt need someone to fill the void Price will leave.
@Capt.Tim Difference there, We actually needed a DE and no one was arguing that. You are talking now about a position that is absolutely not a need.
The only laugh is all of Tampa when we win a SB. Best way there is certainly not 20 mil a year for a #2 CB.
July 23rd, 2011 at 5:49 pm
I don’t think anyone is saying that CB is a need. This guy is a luxury and will be a luxury wherever he lands. Who says we can’t address our needs while adding a luxury?
July 23rd, 2011 at 5:50 pm
He is on the record that he wants to win a superbowl. So that puts Tampa automatically out of the running.
July 23rd, 2011 at 6:06 pm
@Buc_realist
You have a point. But if he demands that 18 or 19 mil a year contract, he won’t find that with a Super Bowl contender…
July 23rd, 2011 at 6:13 pm
Nnamdi is like the western gunfighter that never gets in a gunfight because his reputation is so fearsome that nobody draws on him. Deion Sanders has won playoff games and championships, so has Rod Woodson, Darrell Green, and Charles Woodson (GB). They all have incredible stats, 3 are in the HOF and the other is a lock. Nnamdi, well…..nobody throws at him. Anybody ever hear of a CB nominated to the HOF without stats because nobody threw at him? Remember what happened to Iron Mike when somebody (Buster Douglas) decided to throw at him? Nnamdi is a legend in his own time and in all of our minds!
July 23rd, 2011 at 6:13 pm
Ronde is 38. Talib is indicted for assulr with a deadly weapon- the latest of multiple assaults by the guy. Biggers and Lewis are untested. And there isn’t anyone else.
And it’s not a need?
You guys do know that You need Cornerbacks to defend Wrs, right? And that Atlanta and New Orleans play 3 or 4 every down, Right?
Use your fingers, try to match up our Cornerbacks against their WRs. Ahhh, see- there is a lil problem there!
July 23rd, 2011 at 6:15 pm
19- 20 mil ( bad team ) 15 -16 for a contending team. Also, there is language in the new CBA for teams to borrow ( or go over ) 6.5 million over the cap.
July 23rd, 2011 at 6:16 pm
Atlanta DOES NOT run 3 or 4 WRs every down….
July 23rd, 2011 at 6:24 pm
I do not see this as a problem, a bad thing. The Bucs are developing their own and successfully I might add. To pay this one player at 29 years old the kind of money he’ll get would be foolish and not all that great for team chemistry IMO.
July 23rd, 2011 at 6:26 pm
I would rather sign Jonathan Joesph instead he wouldn’t ask for near the money and he is younger. With Talib and Joesph on the field it would be very hard to throw the football for any team…Now Mr. GM go out and get him!
July 23rd, 2011 at 6:33 pm
Matt Ryan was 540 yds, 3TDs, and 2INTs against us last year. Not exactly lighting us up.
A Defense allowing 7th least yards, and this guy wants to focus on passing defense….. Mind boggling. You can use your “Its a passing league” fear mongering all you want, but the numbers just don’t make sense to pick up a $20 mill a year CB(who only plays the #2 receivers). The players that gave us such a great pass defense last year is the same defense this year.
Biggers and Lewis are the future and more than enough depth for this year. Bucs will undoubtedly take another CB in the draft next year and may even pick up a free agent this year, but it won’t be Nnamdi. That just doesn’t make sense. OL and DT are far bigger concerns, yet you want to blow the wad on one friggen dude, who plays against the lesser WR of the league.. Unbelievable.
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:27 pm
Ronde is only 36, not 38, and Talib’s court date isnt until after the 2011 season. This season we should be ok. Next season is where we should worry about our CB’s
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:39 pm
Captain lou has had his team in 2 straight Afc championship games (i think). Head cheerleader rah rah morris is 13-19 and has never participated in the playoffs or finished better than third in his division. If unflattering and insulting nicknames like radio were deemed distateful so should Captain Lou for Rex.
Rex had accomplished a lot in the Nfl, rah hasnt earned anything yet.
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:40 pm
has
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:42 pm
Jonathan Joseph on a long-term deal at $7-$9 million per vs Asomugha on a short-term deal for $19 million per? Joseph is absolutely perfect for the defenses that Raheem runs. Asomugha is not. Not that he can’t adapt because he probably can, but why pass up a perfect fit at less than half the price? It seems like a total no-brainer to me.
Look for Dominik to make a run at Joseph and to virtually ignore Asomugha when free agency opens.
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:44 pm
Joseph would be a great pick up. I’d be all over that if I were RahmDom
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:57 pm
I have said all along, Joseph is also a great choice. Buuut, he has proven a little injury prone. There are several CBs that would be a good fit. I like Nnamdi , because he is so dominant, I think he gets us past Atlanta and New Orleans faster- and that’s our biggest task.
Ryan didn’t light us up- because we were playing a 3-3-5 defense to protect against the pass. Makes it pretty easy to run!
Atlanta runs 3 plus rees 78 plus% of the time. It’s their thing.
July 23rd, 2011 at 8:02 pm
Thumbs up to Joseph if Dominik is that desperate for a corner.
July 23rd, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Actually Joe, not signing him could possibly be the biggest mistake we make. We could possibly lose BOTH Barber AND Talib in the same offseason next year. If that happens, we’re in deep s***! That’s where Asomugha comes in.
It’s about time the Bucs dig into free agency for once in their lives and pick up a big name star who will bring both talent and some attention to us. Asomugha is the real deal, he’s not overrated like Haynesworth was 2 years ago.
July 23rd, 2011 at 11:13 pm
I heard he may goto the falcons.. and that would suck! for that reason alone we should sign him!
July 23rd, 2011 at 11:27 pm
A business model built on nothing but fear and reactions… Way to dictate the game, Nate.
July 24th, 2011 at 12:07 am
Raheem knows more about DB’s than anything else. He’s either happy with what he has or knows what he needs. I think we’re pretty deep at corner and I really wanna see what the rookies bring to the table. Dominick is drafting his A$$ off. I’m sure he’ll find a couple more rookie free agents. Who wouldn’t want to play for the Bucs right now? Josh Freeman?
It would be cool to see Asomugha play for the Bucs for a year or two, but if they don’t need him, more power to them.
I think this has the makings to be the best Buc team……. ever.
July 24th, 2011 at 12:07 am
I like Ike Taylor of the Steelers- he’s 31, but is 6’2″, and would be a great fit in our scheme. He would be much cheaper, has had no major injuries, and is a team guy. Richard Marshal of the Panthers is young, talented, and hasd 7 interceptions last year. He also could help.
Me- I would sign Nnamdi. He wants the big deal, but the 19 mil numbers are way overblown. A 6 year deal could get him for a lot less. It’s the long term security he’s after. And he’s proven he’s worth it. Besides being the best Corner in the League- he brings something our defense lacks now, and will really miss when Ronde leaves- leadership. McCoy looks like he’ll handle the line, Ruud’s leadership will be missed( but it wasn’t his strongest suit). Raheem was worried about the secondary with Barber this year, that was a big part of the push to resign him. He really helped set the young guys. But no one knows if he can still be the answer at RCB at his age. The guy is a HOF, and was our best CB last year by far! But it’s gonna keep getting more difficult. No one knows if he can do it again! It’s uncharted territory
July 24th, 2011 at 12:25 am
Ike Taylor fits the Steeler’s scheme which was blitz heavy and didn’t put much pressure on him to lock down.(and he didn’t do a good job with them which is why he is on his way out) The Bucs get no pressure and require their DBs to create coverage sacks. He would be annihilated in our scheme. He doesn’t fit at all in any scheme let alone ours. Plus his…. There is really no reason they would higher this guy.
ANd last but not least, if Tomlin is letting him go for sub par play, Morris certainly isn’t going to pick him up.
July 24th, 2011 at 12:26 am
Insert *Plus his age….*
July 24th, 2011 at 1:23 am
I am in the yay for Nnanmdi camp… Think about this guys if we bring in any free agent DB someone has to sit. So how in the blue hell do you think it goes when Raheem to potential FA: Well we like you and want you to play for us, but Ronde is my guy and imagine Talib’s temper if he got benched. Nnamdi is the only corner worth the whole potential issue to Rah having to sit one of his own. Jon Joseph is over rated, I’d rather let Lewis play personally. Biggers is not the future of the position either.
July 24th, 2011 at 1:43 am
I’m surprised by your negligence, Joe. Even if it’s not Nnamdi, I still see somewhat of a need here based solely on the fact that Aqib is a big question mark and ronde is a 1-year band-aid.
You suggest a receiver?! Seriously?! Of all positions, we have extremely good depth there. Holmes is literally the opposite type of player they want and position player the Bucs would be targeting right now. Why the hell would they want a troubled, inconsistent, overpriced receiver when they have so many good and young players that they don’t know what to do with at the position?
That’s literally the complete opposite type of approach the Bucs have been taking lately and the only tie that somewhat rectifies that idea is that Tomlin coached him and knows him a little. However, Tomlin LET HIM GO for like a 5th round draft pick.
Since I’ve began to religiously observe this blog about 2-3 years ago, I’ve never disagreed with you more. Holmes is a joke and I would bet anybody any amount of money that the Bucs will not only completely ignore him, but won’t sign any other big name receiver for anything other than “quality depth.”
July 24th, 2011 at 2:06 am
Not for Holmes either. We have enough talent at the position, good young players who need to play. This team is about the next decade starting now, not just about next year.
July 24th, 2011 at 9:05 am
Fish, I do not think Holmes is cominghere, but he is not a joke. The man can play.
July 24th, 2011 at 9:28 am
JOe here
@Fish — “Negligence?” First, you say Ronde is a one-year band-aid. What makes you so sure he doesn’t want to come back again next year? Especially if the continues to perform and the team is winner? Another $5 million might be quite enticing. You really think Ronde’s hanging it up if the Bucs are a playoff team? And the Bucs aren’t about to cast aside an icon that still contributes like they’ve done in the past.
Second, the Bucs drafted Myron Lewis in the third round. There’s no reason to think they’re down on him and there’s nothing to suggest they want to stick him on the bench indefinitely. Same for Biggers. And is Talib that much of a question mark to pay another cornerback $18 million?
As for receiver, Arrelious Benn is coming off ACL surgery 7 months ago. Everyone’s optimistic, but the Bucs can surely use a top flight receiver. No reason not to surround Freeman with all they can, and Benn is versatile enough to play 1-3.
July 24th, 2011 at 10:19 am
Thankfully the team is smarter than many bloggers here. Many keep looking at the latest Talib incident as a single event, with a single result.
That makes you really naive.
The Bucs have looked at his career this far. And deemed him ” undependable”. They know they can’t depend on him. They will find someone that they can count on. They may not cut him, but they do not count on him as a fixture at LCB
That’s why they run football teams, and everyone else talks about football teams
And Ike Taylor is “Taylor made” for the Tampa 2 Zone coverage- how are you so badly misinformed. Tomlin said Taylor is superbe in Zone, struggles in Man.
And he should know
July 24th, 2011 at 10:28 am
I just find it hilarious that people are so dismissive of Nnamdi, but pining for Jonathon Joseph or Ike Taylor.
This is like walking into Bern’s and saying “I’ll have a philly cheesesteak.”
If DB isn’t a need when we’re talking about NA, why is it a need when we’re talking about Jonathon Joseph? It makes absolutely no sense.
Also, I’ve been thinking about the Bucs salary cap situation…..we’re all saying that the team is going to have to spend $60M during the offseason, but that number is based on last years number. Since last yr the Bucs have had a lot of money come off the books (Joseph, Ruud, et al). I think this team is going to have to spend closer to $70M to get to the cap number.
July 24th, 2011 at 10:29 am
Joe – how many 36 year old corners are starting in the NFL this year??
Yeah, exactly!
When will Aqib’s next incident be?
Ok, I think Lewis will be able to play. I base that on faith. He hasn’t proven that he’s capable of starting.
There’s one . .
July 24th, 2011 at 10:57 am
Also interesting that King listed two teams that are already over the salary cap (Dallas & NYJ) as possible destinations and a team (HOU) that Nnamdi has said he has no interest playing for.
July 24th, 2011 at 11:51 am
I would not say CB is not a need. We finished the year saying we needed someone opposite Talib…that hasn’t changed.
We don’t know if we’ll have Talib either…not for a whole season.
But I agree Nnamdi Asomugha is not the solution. We need current guys to step up and take over, or we need undrafted FAs or FAs, but the Bucs will not go expensive.
Although, wouldn’t it turn some heads if it turned out the only reason they haven’t been spending was the looming lockout, and htey came out of the gates buying up the top 3 talents in free agency?
July 24th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Fix the pass rush and you solve all of your problems. I wouldn’t pay any CB $18 million a year, that’s a date rape! CB’s can be schemed in and out of a game. Spend on the trenches and on weapons for Freeman.
July 24th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
By now, nothing is going to change the minds of all the Nnamdi lovers. To be clear, I’m a Nnamdi lover too. I just don’t think the Bucs will sign him. All of you who say we have the money to do it – you’re right! All of you who say that we are vulnerable at CB – you’re right! But, is Nnamdi the best and only solution to the problem and is he the greatest need? I know this will not change any minds, but here’s another opinion. I know, I know, this guy is just another Nnamdi hater too. http://www.profootballpost.com/NFP-Sunday-Blitz-1914.html
July 24th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Sorry! That should be nationalfootballpost.com
July 24th, 2011 at 3:39 pm
Man, some people seem to think that by arguing long enough their point becomes more valid. Nothing could be further from the truth.
How hard is it to understand? Asomugha is not coming to Tampa Bay.
Can we please start talking about players who are likely free agent targets for the Bucs here? Asomugha is a dead horse and I’m tired of standing around watching a handful of people here continue to beat on him.
July 24th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
The difference between Ronde and other ex Star Bucs is that Ronde is stilling dominating his position. Brooks was just a role player by the time he left.
July 24th, 2011 at 6:24 pm
John Clayton listing Houston and Tampa as favorites for Nnamdi.
July 25th, 2011 at 4:16 am
@bananawhatever No one is “pining” for Jonathon Joseph. They are just pointing out how, if RahmDom were going to make a free agent move for a CB it would make far more sense than NA.
If anything, Jonathon Joseph is just a player we use to get your simple little minds off of NA.