Nnamdi Asomugha signs with 49ers after "it just didn't work" in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Nnamdi Asomugha signs with 49ers after "it just didn't work" in Philadelphia
Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
Nnamdi Asomugha's two years in Philadelphia were an unquestioned disappointment, and the Eagles released the former high-priced free agent last month even though they're on the hook to pay him $4 million. Asomugha signed with the 49ers, where he has a chance to resurrect his career in the Bay Area.
There are legitimate questions about whether Asomugha will ever be the type of player he was with the Raiders, when his production and reputation as one of the NFL's finest cornerback prompted the Eagles to offer a five-year, $60 million contract.
Asomugha's new deal, however, comes with no guaranteed money, meaning he will need to prove his worth by earning incentives included in the deal.
“It was a myriad of reasons," Asomugha said to Bay Area-reporters about why he struggled with the Eagles. "We could sit down and talk for a couple of hours. The bottom line is I didn’t get it done out there. It just didn’t work out. I have a chance to step back on the field and do it again, do it over.”
One reason often attributed for his struggles in Philadelphia was the scheme, which did not have the same man-to-man principles that he played in Oakland. Asomugha said he placed an emphasis on the scheme during this free agency period.
“I think 49ers have a good mix, what (defensive coordinator) Vic Fangio does I think has been awesome, over the last two years from what I’ve seen," Asomugha said. "Having a chance to do it again, definitely had to make sure the scheme was something I liked and I was able to find San Francisco with a scheme that I thought was really impressive."
He also noted the difference of the Bay Area and Philadelphia. Asomugha played at Cal and Oakland, and grew up in Los Angeles. Philadelphia was a major difference. He also has a prior relationship with 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh.
“I think the contrast is I didn’t really know anyone [in Philadelphia], and it was a new area for me," Asomugha said. "Those were probably the biggest differences. And then out here, there is that familiarity with the area and with players and coaches.”
What's clear is that Asomugha has much to prove. His time in Philadelphia is the last memory, but he can change the lasting reputation depending upon how he plays with the 49ers.
"I’ve never gone into a season thinking I didn't have something to prove," Asomugha said. "Always had a chip. The chip might be a little bigger now, but it’s always been there.
- Of course you are agreeing with the one guy that was completely wrong. Good job. As for Peters the Eagles DID waste a first round pick, and another pick or whatever else they wasted to get an older veteran with 8 years of wear and tear who then tore his Achilles and couldn't play while the team went 4-12. The low football IQ is ABYSMAL.
Nnamdi-most overrated player to come to Philly in a looooong time.
— BlueberryLetter23- Sheldon Brown and Lito Shepherd were much better than DRC/Nnamdi.— BlueberryLetter23
- He will make the pro bowl with the niners..very sad— sedale
- CharlieGarner25, what in the world are you talking about?
When the Eagles signed Jason Peters he was one of the best Oline anchors in the league.
You cannot predict injury.
What a silly comment for you to make.— BlueberryLetter23 - lol, your not getting it. And I said that a year ago. Its sad how many times I need to repeat myself on here. A winning organization will take a first round pick and DRAFT A REALLY GOOD PLAYER, while the eagles trade a first round pick a flashy looking move to try to appear smart but they end up getting an OLDER PLAYER who is then MORE LIKELY TO GET INJURED and WILL NOT LAST AS LONG. So one team will actually draft a solid 22 year old 0-linemen while the eagles over-pay, and waste draft picks on a 29 year old who then gets injured. Winning team gets a great player at a cheap rookie contact price for 5-10 years, Eagles pay bloated contract for older player and only get him for 3-4 years until he is injured/retired. Its a losing proposition, and part of why this team will probably NEVER win a superbowl under Lurie and Howie Roseman. (With Roseman as GM), PROBABLY NEVER.
- Really? Check out the 22 year olds the Bills took with the picks the Eagles gave them for Peters, nothing but injuries and wash outs. And that was from the team YOU said was smart enough to have signed Peters in the first place. Game, set, match...you lose loser.
Yes you said it a year ago and what is sad is that you keep repeating it no matter how inane it was in the first place.
Find 2 guys who wouldn't make that trade all over again even KNOWING of the injury now. You won't find them moron. Please stop trying to be the dumbest guy on this ite. You've already succeeded so you can stop trying...idiot.— tpizza - Going back to the post i was refering to earlier he also said "the eagles need less players like Peters,not more".This kid is a clown.Did you see his recent post when he was talking about how many college coaches came in and won a SB and he said"almost none"? That was an instant classic.Man he wishes it was none, but its not, its almost none. — greensob
- Note to C.whiner, when the Eagles traded for Peters he had 4 years of "wear and tear" on him. Doesn't hurt to actually tell the truth moron. No one has any idea who will or will not get hurt and why don't you do a little research and see what Buffalo got by trading AWAY an All-Pro. I did and got a good laugh out of it...sorta like I get from all your posts...and I agree with people who are correct, like greensob. Now watch out for that revolving door, any more brain damage and you won't be able to sit for a week. moron.— tpizza
- I can't even respond to delusions which is most of your post, but factually he did not play 4 years there. It was not 8 either but it was 5. 65 games of NFL wear and tear when the average CAREER is only 3 years, or 48 games. And this guy had 65 already,it IS possible to project injuries lol...its so simple your post is laughably dumb. This is just sad pizza. Keep rooting for a Howie Roseman superbowl. Its gonna happen this year I think.
- There you go again,contradicting yourself,you say the average career is 3 years "incorect number again" but a few posts up you said teams take thier #1 picks and sign them to "cheap rookie contracts for 5-10 years".Really? 5 to 10 years? Sounds like a lot but i'll take your word for it. In any case,if the average career is 3 yrs then doesnt that mean they got thier moneys worth from Peters and everything from here on out is just gravy. — greensob
- Hey moron, he was with the Bills 5 years but sat out one so it's 4 years of "wear and tear". Now according to your logic...there's that word again...the Eagles never should have signed John Runyan and Tre Thomas should have been dumped ater year 4.
Now exactly how many years did they play again? Man you are stupid. Greensob sees it too.— tpizza - No, you're still wrong...he sat at one year, remember? Geez, are you EVER right?
I wonder what Tre Thomas and John Runyon think about your "averages". Using your "logic" Runyon was a mistake too? Keep trying moron, it's that blind squirrel thing...— tpizza - ...and OK karnak, tell me who is going to get this year...I dare ya...possible to predict injuries...hahahahahahahahahahaha...what a loon.— tpizza
"I couldn't fit the whole team in my car for lunch, so I didn't get to know anybody."— verve
