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http://www.nfldraftcity.com/node/1261
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf...ons_among.html
so if detriot can sign Nnamdi, does that make them real contender this season. or do they need more of out side presence to take over for Van Den Bosh. they have avril which is due for a big year and Suh. but it will be interesting going foward
Free Agency will begin immediately following an agreement for a new collective bargaining agreement. Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is expected to be the top free agent available. Sources close to both the Lions and Asomugha have privately expressed mutual interest in coming to terms on an agreement once work resumes.
Lions' GM Martin Mayhew has been consistent in his attempt to return Detroit football back to respectability. The team made a few gutsy picks in April’s draft, seemingly ignoring positions of greatest need like cornerback, or linebacker. However, many close to the Lions situation felt the picks of a third wide receiver and second running back were necessities and integral to the success of the offense; completing an offensive overhaul that has surrounded the teams greatest investment, Matthew Stafford with a plethora of weapons.
The Lions did add arguably the top defensive tackle from the 2011 draft class to an already stellar defensive line, and passed on top cornerbacks Jimmy Smith & Prince Amukamara in favor of Auburn’s Nick Fairley.
With the holes in the secondary and linebacking core still clearly an issue, it’s natural to draw the conclusion there would be interest in a top cornerback like Asomugha from Detroit, although it seems a little farfetched considering the Lions’ recent history of embarrassment including an 0-16 record just a few years ago. It is believed Nnamdi would like to join a perennial playoff team like the Packers or Eagles, and many seem to put the Lions in the same group as the star cornerback’s former team, another recent bottom feeder, Oakland Raiders. While many agree with that sentiment, others believe it won’t be long before the Lions return to respectability and may even reach the postseason as early as this upcoming season. NFLDraftCity.com’s Chris Habbo is reporting, according to sources close to Asomugha, he agrees with the latter opinion and would be interested in joining the Lions if the interest is mutual and both sides can come to term on a contract.
When presented to a member of the Detroit Lions staff the level of interest from the individual close to Asomugha, a Lions’ representative conveyed, “We still have obvious holes in our defense, specifically the secondary and if there is a player out there that we think can help us in some of those areas, we’re going to do everything in our power to make that player a part of this team.” The Lions representative declined to comment directly on Nnamdi Asomugha, but made it clear, “We’re not going to hold back if a player is there and can help this team and we feel the situation is right, the player is right and if those details are established, money won’t be an issue.”
If the Lions are unable to come to terms with Asomugha, it is expected they will shift focus to Cincinnati’s Jonathan Joseph or Jets’ Antonio Cromartie.
Lions' GM Martin Mayhew has been consistent in his attempt to return Detroit football back to respectability. The team made a few gutsy picks in April’s draft, seemingly ignoring positions of greatest need like cornerback, or linebacker. However, many close to the Lions situation felt the picks of a third wide receiver and second running back were necessities and integral to the success of the offense; completing an offensive overhaul that has surrounded the teams greatest investment, Matthew Stafford with a plethora of weapons.
The Lions did add arguably the top defensive tackle from the 2011 draft class to an already stellar defensive line, and passed on top cornerbacks Jimmy Smith & Prince Amukamara in favor of Auburn’s Nick Fairley.
With the holes in the secondary and linebacking core still clearly an issue, it’s natural to draw the conclusion there would be interest in a top cornerback like Asomugha from Detroit, although it seems a little farfetched considering the Lions’ recent history of embarrassment including an 0-16 record just a few years ago. It is believed Nnamdi would like to join a perennial playoff team like the Packers or Eagles, and many seem to put the Lions in the same group as the star cornerback’s former team, another recent bottom feeder, Oakland Raiders. While many agree with that sentiment, others believe it won’t be long before the Lions return to respectability and may even reach the postseason as early as this upcoming season. NFLDraftCity.com’s Chris Habbo is reporting, according to sources close to Asomugha, he agrees with the latter opinion and would be interested in joining the Lions if the interest is mutual and both sides can come to term on a contract.
When presented to a member of the Detroit Lions staff the level of interest from the individual close to Asomugha, a Lions’ representative conveyed, “We still have obvious holes in our defense, specifically the secondary and if there is a player out there that we think can help us in some of those areas, we’re going to do everything in our power to make that player a part of this team.” The Lions representative declined to comment directly on Nnamdi Asomugha, but made it clear, “We’re not going to hold back if a player is there and can help this team and we feel the situation is right, the player is right and if those details are established, money won’t be an issue.”
If the Lions are unable to come to terms with Asomugha, it is expected they will shift focus to Cincinnati’s Jonathan Joseph or Jets’ Antonio Cromartie.
When it comes to NFL free agency, there's only one name that really matters to Detroit Lions fans: Nnamdi Asomugha.
Normally, that would be cause for some therapy sessions, but not according to NFL.com senior analyst Gil Brandt, who says the Lions would be one of but the top destinations for the Raiders cornerback if he doesn't return to Oakland.
The other two, in no particular order, are the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans.
Brandt, who was vice president of player personnel for the Cowboys from 1960-89, thinks Detroit would be a great choice for the 29-year-old All-Pro cornerback because of its dominant defensive line, including back-to-back first-round selections of defensive tackle in All-Pro Ndamukong Suh and rookie Nick Fairley.
June 21, NFL.com: "I wouldn't be at all surprised if they make a big play for Asomugha," Brandt said. "And I think he would consider the situation in Detroit and playing for Jim Schwartz, who has won the respect of his team. A cornerback's best friend is a great defensive line, and right now the Lions have a pretty good group of defensive linemen."
As the consensus biggest name in this year's free agent market – pending a new CBA, of course – Asomugha would be a huge acquisition for the Lions whose biggest needs are at cornerback and outside linebacker.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder doesn't have stats that will overwhelm, but opposing quarterbacks are loathe to throw his way.
Should Asomugha bring his talents to Detroit, and if Chris Houston – the Lions' No. 1 cornerback from last season – re-signs with them, the position would suddenly have a completely different – and vastly-improved – look.
Normally, that would be cause for some therapy sessions, but not according to NFL.com senior analyst Gil Brandt, who says the Lions would be one of but the top destinations for the Raiders cornerback if he doesn't return to Oakland.
The other two, in no particular order, are the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans.
Brandt, who was vice president of player personnel for the Cowboys from 1960-89, thinks Detroit would be a great choice for the 29-year-old All-Pro cornerback because of its dominant defensive line, including back-to-back first-round selections of defensive tackle in All-Pro Ndamukong Suh and rookie Nick Fairley.
June 21, NFL.com: "I wouldn't be at all surprised if they make a big play for Asomugha," Brandt said. "And I think he would consider the situation in Detroit and playing for Jim Schwartz, who has won the respect of his team. A cornerback's best friend is a great defensive line, and right now the Lions have a pretty good group of defensive linemen."
As the consensus biggest name in this year's free agent market – pending a new CBA, of course – Asomugha would be a huge acquisition for the Lions whose biggest needs are at cornerback and outside linebacker.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder doesn't have stats that will overwhelm, but opposing quarterbacks are loathe to throw his way.
Should Asomugha bring his talents to Detroit, and if Chris Houston – the Lions' No. 1 cornerback from last season – re-signs with them, the position would suddenly have a completely different – and vastly-improved – look.
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