Can the Falcons Afford CB Nnamdi Asomugha?

[sdogg]

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-fans/2011/07/02/can-the-falcons-afford-cb-nnamdi-asomugha/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_fans

Can the Falcons Afford CB Nnamdi Asomugha?

5:24 pm July 2, 2011, by Dawson Devitt (D3)

Can the Birds Afford the High-Priced Free Agent?

Can Falcons Afford Asomugha? (AP)

Even though talks seem to be “progressing,” there still doesn’t seem to be that needed breakthrough that signifies that a deal will get done sooner rather than later. Regardless of their great intentions and public displays of goodwill, the fact remains that it’s now July and free agency hasn’t occurred and until there is a deal no teams will be heading to training camps and the clock continues to tick on the NFL season. In an attempt to get some good conversations flowing, the question involving superstar cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is “can” or “will” the Falcons sign him rather than should. It would be a very redundant question to ask if the Falcons “should” sign him since he was described as the “best defensive free agent since Deion Sanders” by Peter King. All 32 teams would love to have the perennial Pro Bowler, but only a few teams will be in a position to sign him.

Pay the Man, Time to Win Now!

Who knows exactly what Asomugha will be demanding whenever free agency hits, but you can bet that its going to be high. Julius Peppers signed a 6 year, $84 million dollar deal coming out to $14 million a year in last seasons free agency period, so you could expect that Asomugha will at least get that and more. The Falcons clearly made a statement that they’re ready to win now, so why not just go ahead and finish the deal with the best defensive free agent on the market? Many talk about the need for a legit pass rusher opposite John Abraham, but having that type of lockdown cornerback immensely opens up the possibilities and makes everyone around him better.

Endless Improvement

Two #1 CB's (C.Compton/AJC)

Asomugha would allow the Falcons to continue their development of Kroy Biermann, Lawrence Sidbury, and new draft pick Cliff Matthews. Biermann appears to be on track for a big year after he did good in every single area except for actual sacks. The Raiders CB makes the linebackers better by allowing them more freedom to take chances knowing you have that kind of talent behind you. Same goes for safeties William Moore and Thomas DeCoud. Brent Grimes will be commanding some decent money himself after making the Pro Bowl, but they use the nickel package so often, it might as well be a starting position. If he wouldn’t accept the change, than let him test the market.

They Can Afford It

Who knows how free agency will work and what the terms will be, but the Falcons are one of the healthiest franchises in financial terms. Thomas Dimitroff has made good and fair deals and hasn’t really overpaid or made bad decisions in free agency (although some believe that Dunta Robinson’s $9 million a year deal was entirely too much). The Falcon aren’t the free-spending Washington Redskins or the New York Yankees. They have been extremely frugal in free agency, usually only picking up one main free agent and a few with much less impact. Some would question the amount of money that he will command, but you’ll get your money’s worth and then some. Sure, there are other players that need re-signing, but this would allow for the younger players to finally make their mark. Dimitroff is one of the best GM’s in the business and he could structure the deal where it would put the least possible strain on the franchise fiscal outlook. Enough knocking on the door, its time to bust it open and signing Nnamdi Asomugha would make them an immediate favorite to win the Super Bowl.

Simply Not Feasible

Like the other 31 NFL teams, the Falcons would love to have the All-Pro cornerback. He would add an element of improvement to the defense rarely ever seen in the franchise’s history. Even as much as they would be ecstatic to have him, it’s simply not financially feasible. Nnamdi Asomugha stands to break the bank of any franchise willing to sign him. If Julius Peppers got a deal paying him $14 million a year, you can guarantee that Asomugha will get more than that, at least $15 million and some say the figure could go as high as $18 million a year. The Falcons just have too many needs to invest that much money in one player. Thomas Dimitroff has been very frugal financially and has helped the Falcons become one of the most fiscally healthy franchises in the NFL.

Too Much Dough at One Position

If Dimitroff hadn’t made Dunta Robinson one of the highest paid cornerbacks in the league, this would definitely be a big possibility. But that’s not the case for Dunta Robinson got a 6 year, $57 million dollar deal and that’s not money that you pay a #2 cornerback. Even assuming that Asomugha accepted a $15 million dollar deal, that would put almost $25 million in two players and that would represent almost 30% of their entire budget. Not only would that prevent the Falcons from re-signing many of their own players coming up for free agency, it basically would end the chance of the Birds signing any other free agent likely for several years.

Too Many Priorities

Even though the Falcons don’t have very many holes, they do have issues at some other spots on the roster both in the short term and certainly in the long run. The defensive end position is a much more pressing issue since they whiffed on taking Jamaal Anderson with the #8 pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. John Abraham is the only savior at the position, but he is 33 years old and is in the final year of his contract. They may have an answer in Kroy Biermann, but there’s no guarantee. One of the outside linebacker spots is definitely an issue as well, just as depth at cornerback after Robinson and Grimes is an issue. The offensive line is set to be reshuffled and many veterans are either reaching the end of their career or end of their contracts. The future at tight end is yet another issue that will need addressing mostly likely next year. Money will be needed for re-signing current players or signing new ones. A budget busting deal to Asomugha would definitely prohibit that.

Many Re-ups Needed

The Falcons have several players that need re-signing this year and next year that will get some well-deserved paydays. The Falcons definitely need to re-up Brent Grimes, who has Pro Bowl leverage, Matt Bryant, and would like to keep Jason Snelling, which will be tough since he may look for starter money. You also have to believe that the Birds will want to at least keep one of the three offensive linemen coming up and may want to keep more than that between Justin Blalock, Harvey Dahl, and Tyson Clabo. Then there’s the issue of Stephen Nicholas. In theory, they may be ok to let him walk, but relying on Mike Peterson or rookie Akeem Dent will be asking way too much. Next year, Curtis Lofton, Harry Douglas, Thomas DeCoud, and Kroy Biermann are all due to become free agents among others. Even though the coaching staff are sky high on Chris Owens taking the nickel spot, nightmares of the Green Bay debacle are seared into fans brains.

Grimes to Nickel? Not So Fast

Grimes to Nickel? Doubtful (AP)

Some say that the Birds should re-sign Brent Grimes and simply move him to the nickel back spot. The Falcons cornerback just made the Pro Bowl in his first season as a full-time starter. He may not be the biggest guy on the field, but he more than makes up with it using his insane athletic ability and toughness. He’s already 12th on the Falcons all-time interception list after only being a starter for a year and a backup before that. He got a well-deserved invite to the Pro Bowl as a starting cornerback. Even though he’s a great teammate, no one in their right mind would simply accept a demotion and a decreased contract to go along with it and you can’t blame him to be honest. The Falcons thought so highly of him that they tendered a first round pick on him. Simply put, the Falcons aren’t going to pay for 3 starting cornerbacks, especially when one of them would be making at least $15 million a year.

Your Turn

1. Simple: Can the Falcons afford to sign Nnamdi Asomugha?
2. Should they find a way to get the superstar CB?
3. How much would you be willing to give Asomugha?
4. Would you be willing to commit 30% of the budget to 2 players?
5. If signing Asomugha meant not re-upping all others, would you still do it?
6. Should Grimes accept the nickel back spot?
7. Would you let Grimes walk to get Asomugha?

[markdzul]

This is above my paygrade.. I will let TD handle this one... lol.

[sdogg]

This is above my paygrade.. I will let TD handle this one... lol.

Same here. I feel that if TD and Smith want him real bad, we will find a way to get him. Just like we did with trading up for JJ. If they feel its too much, we will pass. But no way can any message board GM say without a doubt that we will or will not get him.

[Herr Doktor]

No

No

None

No

No

No

No

Aso cannot be on our radar. We are looking at defense (lb and de). And probably offensive lineman. Cb isn't our main problem.

[Peyton]

Let me see, where do I start.

First, the Falcons aren't one of the healthiest teams financially. They are average at best.

Second, TD has not been financially frugal. He gave Matt Ryan a contract that made every team in the league mad and way overpaid Dunta last year. He gave Turner a huge contract that most thought was too much at the time. He overpaid Jenkins too and gave Babs a contract that only would have been worth it if he improved dramatically......which he did. That part is just wrong.

It's just not gonna happen. Aso is not even remotely on the Falcons radar. Not a chance.

[JD dirtybird21]

I've been saying for a while now that I don't want Asomugha for some of those reasons that were said in the thread opener. Asomugha is a great player and yes, he would improve our defense, but the only way I would want to pay him 18 million a year is if getting him were to have us win the super bowl this year! But not only do I think that won't happen, I think we can spend money on re signing our guys and getting some pass rushers and we can win a super bowl without Asomugha and still have some money in the bank to use when guys like Gonzalez, McClure, Abraham, and Turner are gone.

In about 2 years from now, our team is going to lose a lot of its veterans and signing Asomugha (who is 30 himself) will prevent us from replacing those veterans and keeping our team in the playoff loop every season. My expectations for the Falcons this year are to go to the super bowl and nothing less. If they don't do it this year, then this roster won't ever do it until Gonzalez and Turner are gone and they move forward in a new direction.

It's definitely a debatable topic, but in the end, Asomugha just isn't worth it, if he were a defensive end, I would say go for it, but signing Charles Johnson or Ray Edwards will impact the defense for ALOT less money, and I think they are the missing piece to a super bowl title for the Falcons.

[JD dirtybird21]

Let me see, where do I start.

First, the Falcons aren't one of the healthiest teams financially. They are average at best.

Second, TD has not been financially frugal. He gave Matt Ryan a contract that made every team in the league mad and way overpaid Dunta last year. He gave Turner a huge contract that most thought was too much at the time. He overpaid Jenkins too and gave Babs a contract that only would have been worth it if he improved dramatically......which he did. That part is just wrong.

It's just not gonna happen. Aso is not even remotely on the Falcons radar. Not a chance.

At the same time though, are any of those guys undeserving of their contracts? The only one you can say is Jenkins and it's too early to say if Robinson was a mistake or not. As far as Ryan, Babs, and Turner, all that shows is that TD sees stuff that other GM's don't, and he knows who's really good out there.

[Peyton]

At the same time though, are any of those guys undeserving of their contracts? The only one you can say is Jenkins and it's too early to say if Robinson was a mistake or not. As far as Ryan, Babs, and Turner, all that shows is that TD sees stuff that other GM's don't, and he knows who's really good out there.

The only one I think is safe to say was a mistake is Jenkins.

I wasn't criticizing TD, just illustrating that he is far from frugal, as the article states.

[FalconState]

Pass rush is the larger priority.

Grimes made great use of his time as a starter. To take him off the field would be foolish.

I agree and we need to give Dante some time before everyone just gives up on him

[Herr Doktor]

If we could have signed him two years ago. Now he is a 30 year old corner who hasn't been tested in years out west.

[kane#7]

If we could have signed him two years ago. Now he is a 30 year old corner who hasn't been tested in years out west.

Dont get me wrong he is a great player but we shouldnt get him he costs too much..

But saying he isn't good because he hasn't been tested and is 30 years old..

Phillip Rivers doesn't test him because he is so good... Im pretty sure that is what you ultimatly want in a corner someone so good that they don't pass it his way, also Green Bay got Woodson when he was 30 seemed to work out.

But in saying that CJ would make a larger impact to our defense.

[DavyDmx]

Let me see, where do I start.

First, the Falcons aren't one of the healthiest teams financially. They are average at best.

Second, TD has not been financially frugal. He gave Matt Ryan a contract that made every team in the league mad and way overpaid Dunta last year. He gave Turner a huge contract that most thought was too much at the time. He overpaid Jenkins too and gave Babs a contract that only would have been worth it if he improved dramatically......which he did. That part is just wrong.

It's just not gonna happen. Aso is not even remotely on the Falcons radar. Not a chance.

Co-sign

[paulitik]

I'm not going to put anything past this organization after the Julio trade. I seriously doubt, we go after him, but I have no problem if we do. I love Grimes as much as the next guy, but he's not even close to Asomugha. If I have to choose? I'm going with Nmandi. Sorry, but Brent is a big play corner, Nmandi is one of 2, maybe 3 true shutdown CBs in this league if you still consider Champ Bailey one.

30 or not, considering our weakness against the pass, and whether that stems from coverage or lack of pass rush, shutting down half the field is something I can get on board with.

[Dharma Initiative]

No cornerback and I mean NONE are worth what he is going to get paid. Teams can always play ball on the other side of the field against a good CB. QB is the only position worth what he is going to get a year

[buckyhead2000]

Aso would command a high paying LONG TERM contract. Maybe 5-7 year deal at 10-12 mil with may 75% guaranteed? Even if this year is an uncapped year like last year, many teams will be desperate enough to sign him. I say let's wait till preseason ends to see what the best offer is. I'll bet you it's going to be up there with haynesworth's contract.

[Dusty]

It amazes me how some Falcons fans complain about relevance and exposure, yet when the winds of change start blowing in their direction, they immediately run in the house and slam the shutters. The teams that win, take championship chances both on and off the field. Julio Jones? Most players want to win and most GMs know how to sweeten the deal with more incentives and less money. I trust TD and I am sooooooo glad that nobody in this thread will be making that decision.

[Durrty]

Too much money tied into one position if you ask me. A move like that wouldn't be fiscally responsible. To be successful you have to be able to make intelligent decisions that not only affect the short term but the long term as well. TD has done that since he's been here and I expect nothing less.

By putting money into the DE position; i.e. signing Charles Johnson, we give our defense the pass rush element we've been missing as well as lock up a position that would've been a glaring hole for the next 2-3 years had we sign Aso.

A lot of these articles don't talk about how our FO and coaching staff give existing roster talent the opportunity to prove themselves. Dominique Franks could be that added help we get from the CB position this year.

[Brian_Boitano]

I know Charles Johnson had a great season last year, but that's all it was... one great season. He'd been a non-factor in the league every year prior. I can't say I'm willing to place my eggs in a basket with that many holes.

Edited July 4, 2011 by Brian_Boitano

[Borat]

I know Charles Johnson had a great season last year, but that's all it was... one great season. He'd been a non-factor in the league every year prior. I can't say I'm willing to place my eggs in a basket with that many holes.

CJ has more sacks than Ray Edwards over the last 3 years... (CJ has only played 3 seasons)

[Durrty]

I know Charles Johnson had a great season last year, but that's all it was... one great season. He'd been a non-factor in the league every year prior. I can't say I'm willing to place my eggs in a basket with that many holes.

When you look at the fact that Johnson had NO help around him, you'll forget that it was just "one great season". All the years prior, Julius Peppers was the leading contributor at the position.

[Borat]

When you look at the fact that Johnson had NO help around him, you'll forget that it was just "one great season". All the years prior, Julius Peppers was the leading contributor at the position.

CJ has more sacks than RE over the past 3 seasons.

[kenk]

YES WE CAN. TD can give Aso a big signing bonus and defer the money to later years. the Niners won a lot of super Bowls doing it.

[falcoholic2010]

TD and Smitty have had nothing but time to figure out who they will target in FA once we take care of our FA business 1st. Just sit back and get your popcorn ready because it will be interesting.

[freebird310]

Man, grow some fkng balls ya'll ......Aso = Lombardi NOW NOW NOW .........I been a fan 40 years ......fk this waiting sheet, DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT !!!!!!!!

[Radical]

Man, grow some fkng balls ya'll ......Aso = Lombardi NOW NOW NOW .........I been a fan 40 years ......fk this waiting sheet, DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT !!!!!!!!

We sign Aso, we will be a worse team because of it. Growing balls? More like removing your brain.