The Philadelphia Eagles have to make a decision regarding Nnamdi Asomugha soon. According to Howard Eskin on March 6, the Eagles had already made it and were ready to cut Asomugha rather than rework his contract. Yet Philadelphia moved to deny those reports right afterwards, although it doesn’t mean it won’t happen eventually.
Eskin eventually discredited his own report, stating on Twitter that he “jumped the gun” in announcing Asomugha’s release. However, he assured Eagles fans not to worry, stating that “it will happen” at some point.
NBC Sports also reported that the real decision will come “in a few days.” It is certainly likely to happen before the start of free agency on March 12, so that the Eagles can get more cap room. They have to give Asomugha $4 million no matter what, but they can avoid paying him $11 million more this season by releasing him.
This would be avoided if the Eagles and Asomugha agree to a restricted deal, like the one that Michael Vick got. Yet according to USA TODAY on March 6, even Asomugha believes it is in his best interests to get released and start over. He would still have to take less money for a new team, but he’d keep the $4 million in guaranteed pay from the Eagles to go with it.
With that in mind, all Eskin and the media were guilty of was jumping the gun. They will likely have their chance to officially announce Asomugha’s release soon enough, unless there is a new development out of nowhere.
The Eagles came out of nowhere to get Asomugha in the first place two summers ago, which was supposed to pave the way for a Super Bowl. But Philadelphia’s “Dream Team” secondary of Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie never materialized, leaving both cornerbacks about to be kicked out of town.
Although everyone expects this outcome, neither the Eagles nor Asomugha have made any public comments yet. Philadelphia’s denial proves it wants to keep a tight lid on this ordeal, even if most have guessed the ending.
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