National Football League

Eagles decide to release Asomugha

Published Mar. 12, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

Alex Marvez

The release of Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha just before the start of Tuesday’s free-agent signing period served as a chilling reminder that not every high-priced veteran who changes teams will prove worth the money.

Asomugha was considered a “can’t miss” addition when signing a five-year, $60 million contract with the Eagles in 2011. Asomugha was an All-Pro selection four times during his first eight seasons with the Oakland Raiders and widely regarded along with Darrelle Revis of the New York Jets as the NFL’s best cornerbacks in 2010.

Asomugha, though, never lived up to his lucrative deal with the Eagles. Philadelphia’s pass defense slipped to a No. 24 ranking in 2012 with Asomugha and fellow cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie struggling in coverage.

Incidentally, Revis has also fallen from grace with the Jets and is on the trading block.

Asomugha, 31, will still receive $4 million from the Eagles for 2013 even with his release. He joins a crowded free-agent market for cornerbacks that include other veterans cut in recent days like Washington’s DeAngelo Hall and Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield.