July 16, 2008
Oakland Raiders News: Wrong defensive back signed long term
Root Zoo
Shoutwire
Branch will hopefully be a solid rookie and a better pro
The Tyvon Branch signing is a welcomed event and any other day of his signing would have been something that Raider Nation could celebrate, just not today. Although the rookie is expected to make a strong impact on special teams in 2008, he's not expected to start and would only play defense in the worst of all situations, an injury or poor play. One defensive back expected to make an impact while starting for the Raiders was not signed on Tuesday to a long term deal and that is the overshadowing news of the day.
Nnamdi Asomugha did not come to terms with the Raiders on a long term contract and because of that the Raiders will be on the hook for $9.675 million. Not being privy to the backroom haggling that occured, it's safe to say that both parties, the Raiders and Asomugha, can probably be blamed for the salary impasse. Now both will risk next season and beyond their best interests rather than ammicably agree to a safe extension to the cornerbacks future as a Raider.
The risk for Asomugha is that he gets injured or plays poorly in 2008 and lowers his long term value losing millions of dollars over the next six or seven years. It wasn't long ago that Duane Starks cashed in on a nice season only to become irrelevant quickly. Ironically, Starks can be found every once in a while as Asomugha's teammate for a couple of weeks during the season before getting cut and resigned and then cut again. Starks has to be glad that he took the payoff when he had the chance because now he makes about $100,000 a year rather than the millions he signed for.
The risk for the Raiders is a familiar one, they lose Asomugha because they have irritated the cornerback enough that he will no longer sign a long term contract with the Raiders for a home team discount. He then becomes too expensive to franchise next season or the year after and the whole world watches him go to the Pro Bowl wearing another team's helmet. If you don't remember or you've blacked it out, peruse the Green Bay depth chart for former Heisman winner, Charles Woodson for reference.
As a Raider, Woodson wasn't the guy you want leading your team. Asomugha is different. Instead of dogging it in practice, Asomugha is staying late after everyone else has left the field working on form and technique. Instead of mouthing off to coaches, Asomugha goes quietly about his business. Instead of complaining to the media because the coach hurt his feelings by something that was said about the whole team, (dumbest team in America?), Asomugha only says positive non-destructive things after tough losses. Asomugha IS a leader, and now he will bide his time until he's leading another team because this non-signing has sent a message to the team that Asomugha is just another guy in the locker room.
Not signing Asomugha is in effect a trade for DeAngelo Hall, another Charles Woodson type of player, cocky and mouthy. Will Hall be a leader? That remains to be seen, but if he's anything like he was last season for Atlanta, the Raiders have made a deal with the devil and lost what is probably their best cover corner since Terry McDaniel was still a Pro Bowler.
Maybe the Raiders have a plan that nobody knows about. Maybe their plan is so genius that the rest of us mere mortals are unable to figure it out. I think it's safe to say from everything that I've read on boards over the past two months that Raider Nation would be more than happy to be outsmarted, once again, by the master of disception. If that happens, then kudos to the Raiders and Asomugha for getting a deal done, but if it doesn't?
Rejoice Raider Nation, the Raiders have signed what should be a really interesting player for the next few years. Tyvon Branch not only looks like Ronnie Lott, he plays the same position. Hopefully, he can have an impact on a team that is in a serious need for impact rookies whenever they can find them. Hopefully, he's not too important when his contract comes up again, it seems that defensive backs don't get resigned when that happens, unless they can be gotten cheap.
Video Game review
Picked up NCAA 2009 today by EASports. If you played last year's game, then you probably found about as many bugs as good things to say about the game. With the little that I've seen so far, this year's version is worth the buy. While I haven't fully tested it out, the game looks better, the dynasty mode is better without glitches, the disc isn't constantly running in the drive so you don't need earplugs, and the gameplay is crisp. So far, during gameplay I've noticed that the CPU team seems to have a distinct advantage as far as speed. I'll have to test it more, but it seems that if the CPU players get past your defense, forget it because they are gone. The reverse seems to be true when you have the ball.
All in all, if you're a dynasty player then you have to get the game and if you like to grind out your seasons playing every minute of every game, you may want to rent it first. A great feature this season is that they have Online Dynasty Mode where you and 11 other guys can play in the same dynasty on XBOX Live. Pretty cool stuff because it doesn't require everyone to be online at the same time. So far, I'd have to give the game a grade of 8.5 out of 10 (trust me, I'm not easily pleased).
Just heating up the console here at TFDS
Discussion
24 Comments on "Oakland Raiders News: Wrong defensive back signed long term"
#1
Posted by RaiderDoc, July 16, 2008 12:25 AM
Another sad day for the Raider Nation. Has Al lost it completely? Obviously none of us know what Asomugha is asking for, but how can we throw crazy money at an unproven defensive lineman (record deal at the time it was signed) and not find a way to sign one of the best corners in the league. I don’t even know what to say.
#2
Posted by KUSHMAN, July 16, 2008 12:33 AM
ale has a point... hahathat would have made more sense indeed! but also.. correct me if im wrong, and maybe this was mentioned.. but doesnt al have the period between the season end and the free agency period to sign the guy to a long term deal?
#3
Posted by Rob Calonge, July 16, 2008 12:41 AM
RaiderDoc - Sadly, It's an oddity to say the least. Let's just hope that there is a plan to keep Nnamdi.
#4
Posted by Anthony, July 16, 2008 3:45 AM
Let's not overlook the possible, maybe probable elephant in the room:
Nnamdi agrees with Warren, thinks that the Raiders are a black hole going nowhere fast, and is trying to get the hell out of dodge.
Given the last five years, and the continually shattered expectations, it'd be hard not to consider that a possibility, maybe even a likelihood.
#5
Posted by BlackHawkBill, July 16, 2008 5:52 AM
it's a business. if Big Al wants to sign him next year, he will. my feeling is that Nnamdi sees the cba going south and potential $$$ amonts rising dramaticly because of that. Big Al sees it as well.
let them worry about seasons past this one. as fans we need to support the cause and look forward to an exciting time as the myriad of gretas or future greats on the team gel and win some games.
the swagger will be back-count on it.
"In Al We Trust"
#6
Posted by SpokaneOakfan, July 16, 2008 7:34 AM
If we rebound like a lot of us think we will, if the secondary becomes the pick party we think it is, then Nnamdi will be convinced that the black hole has become a force to be reckoned with.
I agree, though, that if we fall flat again this season, if Kiff goes, etc. Then he is Woodson pt. 2 and I don't blame him.
#7
Posted by Raider Blues, July 16, 2008 8:24 AM
Did Woodson even play??? Seems like he spent his career injured...
#8
Posted by Raider Blues, July 16, 2008 8:29 AM
We'll sign Nnambi next year to a long-term. At least we were able to sign Atlanta's problem child : )
Anyway - it's going to work out fine. Al knows exactly what he's doing and the team will be competitive this year. We're still in the hunt for some linemen, an LB and some time to gel. I.D. the WR for JRuss and let's move forward. No more drama!
#9
Posted by Dan, July 16, 2008 9:02 AM
There are two possibilities here. One everyone is correct in believing that Aso wants out of Oakland. The other is the deal has already been agreed upon and will come at the end of the year. Next year has turmoil written all over it. The big contracts signed this off-season will have played out, and looking at them Walker is probably gone, and Carter maybe able to prove he needs more money. This is one scenerio, and there are many others. Players like Aso, and I'm talking about his loyalty not his skills, Al has a liking that transends money. Let the year play out with our support, and when and if Aso is gone we can deal with that then.
#10
Posted by aleglass, July 16, 2008 9:48 AM
should have franchised Kelly and see if he panned out this yr and signed Aso to long term deal, would have made much more sense
#11
Posted by azraider37, July 16, 2008 1:31 PM
ale has a great point! we would have paid less for kelly had we franchised him, and he is a question mark.
I sure hope the players Al gave all the money to blow-up and do very well, because two of our most reliable players are getting no respect in Asomugha and Burgess. Who could blame them if they want to leave?
#12
Posted by KUSHMAN, July 16, 2008 1:50 PM
thats just the thing.. that all makes sense to an organization.. but since AD is runnin the show.. he is just not smart enough to think that far ahead. its sad.
#13
Posted by Radier209, July 16, 2008 2:26 PM
Theres no way they are going to let Asomugha go, they have to have something planned, look at all these addtions we've made in the off season, big and small names, maybe they are just taking baby steps with everyone, I highly doubt that the raiders want the media to know everything, we need to shut the media up by proving them wrong this upcoming season. I honestly think that this season is the begining of a new era so keep your faith!
....and NCAA 09 is pretty good, but its only something to play until Madden is released, then bye bye NCAA
#14
Posted by The Fifth Horseman, July 16, 2008 3:22 PM
I am sure Aso is counting the days until he is released from the cesspool that is otherwise known as the Oakland Raiders. And who can blame him? All he has known are last place finishes and an organization so dysfunctional they make the Kennedy family look like The Brady Bunch. I am sure Aso is living to play for another team in a year or two.
#15
Posted by ofdizzle, July 16, 2008 4:23 PM
woe is me.... u tnink the spirits r gonna b low?? play with no heart? u think this money situation is gonna change the players on how the game is played?
#16
Posted by Grilla RFL, July 16, 2008 5:12 PM
This is what aleglass had to say, and I agree 100%.
aleglass says:
July 16th, 2008 at 9:48 am
should have franchised Kelly and see if he panned out this yr and signed Aso to long term deal, would have made much more sense.
#18
Posted by Big John, July 16, 2008 8:17 PM
We really dropped the ball this time. Hopefully it won't come back to bite us in the A$$ like Woodson did...
#19
Posted by Bill, July 16, 2008 10:01 PM
ale is right on. I do like kelly tho. Did we need Wilson now that we got Branch? Did we really need hartwell? what about spires? Why are we loading up on other teams cast offs an not signing our own home grown talent (Its always better when you grow it yourself). Aso should stay in the East Bay for his whole career. Could we of found a better CB then Fabian in the 2nd round instead of getting Hall? I would rather see any other Raider go then Aso. I have way to many queastions and Being a Raider Fan I have learned to not getting them answered because Al thinks he is running the CIA. Bring on the season already!!!
#20
Posted by Radier209, July 16, 2008 10:39 PM
lets not get carried away guys, I'm pretty sure the franchise doesn't want another loosing season. the only thing we can do right now is wait and have faith.
#21
Posted by Raidermomo64, July 16, 2008 11:48 PM
Aso will be a Raider. He is in a win/win situation. If he continues to be the class guy that he is, and performs, he will get his Ca. Lottery payday. Either with us or with someone else. I hope he gets alot. He deserves it. Having Wilson is great, and it give Tyvon time to grow into the man at his position. Just as miller is, as Bush and McFadden will, and as Russell will. Can't wait for this season to pan out. We will go 2-0 against KC. 1-1 against Denver, and 1-1 against SD. Go Raiders!! 10-6
#22
Posted by aleglass, July 17, 2008 9:07 AM
thanks for the support, i will be applying for front office job in a few years
#23
Posted by silver&black88, July 17, 2008 7:27 PM
Sooooooooo, havent been on a while. Is this 5th Jackass butt-buddies with Mike 49eror something? Change your name too, homo The 4 Horsmen is a great metallica song and you as a hater should not posess such a good name. As for Aso, I hope to God we resign him long term at some point.
#24
Posted by nosnibur, July 21, 2008 3:45 AM
what if......
Al Davis is already preping for a 2010 season with no salary cap. What if he's biding his time with guys like burgess and nnamdi because, in reality, he's told them to wait a couple years for a big payoff in 2010. What if he begins to raise money over the next year and a half for "no apparent" reason? What if Al has had the plan in effect since January and that's why his current moves seem crazy? What if Al's not crazy?
Top Destinations
Recent Posts
- Oakland Raiders beyond woeful in loss to the Kansas City Chiefs
- Raiders have nobody to blame but their coach and quarterback
- TFDS Live Game Blog - Chiefs at Raiders
- Kansas City Chiefs at the Oakland Raiders: TFDS Keys to the Game
- TFDS Predicts: Oakland Raiders to dispatch the Kansas City Chiefs
- Kiffin a 'volunteer' in Tennessee?
More raiders Posts
Division Rivals
Regional Teams
Leave a comment