The Shane Lechler-Nnamdi Asomugha conundrum

January 5, 1:35 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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The Oakland Raiders are sending two players to the annual AFC-NFC Pro Bowl in punter Shane Lechler and cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. Considering the Raiders finished the season 5-11, it is remarkable that they will have two representatives in Hawaii. The downside to them receiving this honor for the Raiders is that they are both scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.

Shane Lechler was the Raiders sixth-round pick in the 2001 draft. He is one of the few remaining players on the team with links to the division-winning teams that opened the 21st century. During his career he has clearly established himself as the elite punter in the NFL. In fact, with his dominance at his position he would have the phrase "future Hall of Famer" affixed in front of his name had he played any other position.

Lechler has played out his contract, and is about to become a free agent. He has made some statements towards the end of the season that seem to indicate that he is wanting to move to a more competitive team.

Nnamdi Asomugha was the Raiders' second pick of the first round in 2003. His arrival coincided with the Raiders entering their free-fall status. At the time of his drafting, he was considered by many to be a "reach," but through his dedication he has established himself as a truly elite cornerback. He played out his contract prior to the end of 2007, but was given the "exclusive rights" franchise tag for the 2008 season. Unlike most players who receive the tag, he did not complain or hold out. He earned his first Pro Bowl start this year, which only serves to raise his profile.

In the second half of the season, Asomugha began dropping hints that he is also ready to move on to another team, as he is sick of the Raiders' drama and losing ways.

This presents a real problem to the Raiders as they would love to keep their two elite players. If the Raiders are unable to lock down at least one of them to a long-term deal prior to the start of free agency, they only have the opportunity to use a franchise tag on one of the two. The logical thing for the Raiders to do would be to offer Lechler a high-dollar contract that would make him the highest paid punter ever. The Raiders don't seem to have any problem throwing money at players, and Lechler by  far has earned a pay raise.

The Asomugha situation is more complex, as a second round of tagging may only serve to further alienate him. If a long-term deal could not be worked out, the Raiders would be wise to use the non-exclusive tag and let Asomugha shop himself around. If another team signs him, the Raiders would receive two first-round draft picks as compensation, or the two teams could work out a trade.

Unfortunately, it does not look likely at this point that Asomugha and Lechler will both be donning silver and black uniforms next season.