Raiders shut-down cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is eligible for free agency this upcoming offseason. According to the San Jose Mercury News, a performance-based clause in his contract triggered, making him an unrestricted free agent at age 30.
Asomugha is likely to be the hottest free-agent ticket unless Michael Vick decides not to resign with the Falcons. The Redskins have the money, and would surely like to pair Asomugha with 2010 Pro-Bowler DeAngelo Hall. Dallas needs secondary help and the Jets might need someone opposite Revis Island if Antonio Cromartie leaves as a free agent.
But the Texans currently have only one cornerback with more than one year of experience in Glover Quin. The rest of the defensive back depth chart reads Kareem Jackson, Jason Allen, Brice McCain and Antwuan Molden. Rick Smith and the scouting department have done a poor job of finding talent on the defensive side of the ball, usually relying on midseason acquisitions to patch holes.
So is a perennial Pro-Bowler like Asomugha the answer, even at age 30? Or would Champ Bailey be an option, and likely a less expensive one, even at age 33? The Texans need experience to mentor Kareem Jackson or Quin if he remains at cornerback. Free agency is the shortest route to gaining experience, and the Texans need as much as possible even if they have to overpay.
Here are the top opportunities at cornerback available to the Texans in 2011:
Nnamdi Asomugha - The 2003 draftee has only 11 interceptions in his career and reaches the age at which NFL general managers are loathe to commit to a player long-term. But he fits the good-guy mold for Bob McNair with his several charitable endeavors and will be the most sought-after defensive player on the free-agent market if the Raiders don't resign him long-term. The Texans can, and should, pursue Asomugha.
Champ Bailey - The 12-year veteran is likely the second-best cornerback in the AFC West, and will remain the same this offseason. He likely comes with a slightly lower price tag than Asomugha and did play two seasons in Denver with Gary Kubiak. that familiarity could make Bailey the Texans' number one free agent target. His age shouldn't keep the Texans from offering Bailey a sizeable contract offer and allowing to him to take fellow SEC alum Kareem Jackson under his wing.
Ike Taylor - Like Asomugha, Taylor is a Louisiana native. Unlike Asomugha, he is two-time Super Bowl champion with the Steelers and also a veteran of the 3-4 defense under guru Dick LeBeau. A stout run-defender, Taylor gives Wade Phillips a captain in the secondary with championship pedigree in tow. He could be seen as a "1A" to Bailey in terms of the Texans free-agent options.
Johnathan Joseph - Most pending free-agents probably don't want to stay in Cincinnati, but Joseph says he's okay with signing long-term with the Bengals or having the team place the franchise tag on him. So there is not even a good chance Joseph reaches the market, where his age and a strong 2010 on a woeful Bengals team would make him a hot commodity.
Richard Marshall - Ron Rivera is rumored to be a finalist for the Panthers head-coaching, and he would love to hold onto Marshall. But Marshall isn't likely returning to the Panthers and might give a team the same kind of production with less fanfare.
Antonio Cromartie - Cromartie played opposite Darrelle Revis this year with the Jets. He was traded last year from San Diego, bringing his impending free agency and personal baggage with him. He probably plays as more of a "Robin" to a team's more established "Batman." While he would provide experience, he would be a guy I would avoid unless all of the above options are exhausted.
Here are some realistic options available at safety this offseason.
Eric Weddle - The four-year veteran will hit free agency as possibly the best option available at safety. He has played the last three years as a defensive coordinator under Ron Rivera. He made a transition to free safety before the 2008 season and his fast wheels (4.48 40-yard at 2007 combine) enable him a chance to close fast over the middle, and catch up with whoever gets past Bernard Pollard.
Dashon Goldson - The 26-year-old free safety is looking for a payday, switching agents to Drew Rosenhaus in June 2010. His best year was in 2009, his first as a starter, with four interceptions.
If I am playing general manager, I'd go after Champ Bailey the minute free agency dropped. Asomugha likely flies above the Texans radar and Bailey could be interested with the Kubiak/Denver connection. If Bailey's price is too prohibitive (even with Bob McNair's checkbook), my next call is to Richard Marshall. He has no interest in returning to Carolina and the Texans need difference makers at defensive back. Weddle's versatility could be hard to pass up if he is interested. Unless the Texans get lucky and land Patrick Peterson to play safety or Prince Amakumara opposite a hopeful veteran, there isn't much left that would make sense at #11. Making a splash to fill at least one of these positions in free agency seems like the surer route so you don't have to reach for need in the draft.
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