But, apparently, Nnamdi Asomugha had different plans.
When the Asomugha sweepstakes began, the question was when, not if, the Jets would be introducing their new cornerback. Other teams jumped into the mix for Asomugha, but they jumped out almost as quickly as they jumped in.
The Bucs were interested, then they weren’t. The Texans were interested, but Asomugha wasn’t interested in them. The Cowboys were reportedly interested, but Asomugha’s agent claimed they weren’t in the running.
All signs pointed to the New York Jets.
Then, just a few minutes after the start of free agency on Friday, reports surfaced that the Jets had backed out of the Asomugha sweepstakes. A mystery team had swooped in and stole their free agent prize.
For the second time in less than a year, a New York sports team had a free agent stolen out from under them by a Philadelphia sports team. Just about eight months ago, every Yankee fan on the planet assumed Cliff Lee was going to be a Yankee. Lee ended up shocking everyone by choosing the Phillies. Eight months later, Asomugha shocked New York again by choosing the Eagles.
And, really, he didn’t even get ridiculous money.
Asomugha got a 5-year, $60 million contract ($25 million guaranteed) from the Eagles. The Jets offer had to be in that same ballpark. I wouldn’t be shocked if it were higher. After all, Johnathan Joseph got $23.5 million guaranteed from the Texans, and he isn’t in Asomugha’s league.
The biggest winner here, aside from the New England Patriots, is Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie’s the best cornerback left on the market, and his former team is suddenly desperate. The Jets may end up having to give him close to Asomugha money, or risk going into the season with Kyle Wilson as their number two cornerback.
What I’m trying to say is, Friday was a really, really bad day for Rex Ryan and the New York Jets.
Just to rub some salt in the wound, here's a highlight reel of the guy the Jets missed out on:
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