Report: Asomugha likely 'too expensive' for Lions
NFL teams have needs and they have wants, and it’s differentiating between the two that makes the best front offices shine.
When it comes to the Detroit Lions, it’s fair to say the club’s need at the cornerback position is acute. It’s been a wasteland for the Lions over the last several seasons and while the club looked to strengthen itself in the draft, it didn’t do a thing to help itself at cornerback.
Naturally, that’s led to speculation Detroit will cast a line for the biggest free agent available when the labor situation is resolved – All-Pro talent Nnamdi Asomugha. Maybe not. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, citing a team source, reported that Asomugha’s price tag of about $18 million per season “likely will be too expensive” for the Lions.
Asomugha isn’t the only solid cornerback on the market, but he’s clearly the best. Johnathan Joseph, Ike Taylor and Antonio Cromartie will be available. The Lions will likely try to re-sign Chris Houston. But they need Houston and more. The club also has serious needs at linebacker but Birkett doubts the Lions will be setting market standards with any contracts.
Of course, maybe the Lions want to lie in the weeds until it’s time and then strike. You just never know.
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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune