The Kansas City Chiefs have made a number of moves already this postseason that should help them improve on their league-worst 2-14 record from last season and they may not be finished yet, as both Nnamdi Asomugha and Sean Smith appear to be free agent targets.
According to ESPN.com, the Eagles announced on Tuesday that the team was releasing the cornerback after not being able to come to an agreement to restructure his deal. The two sides had been speaking for weeks, but could not reach an agreement about a pay cut after a disappointing year. Asomugha signed a huge contract with the team in 2011 and was set to make $15 million next season.
Asomugha was part of the self-proclaimed "dream team" of 2011, when the Eagles signed him, Cullen Jenkins and a number of other players to deals. Asomugha has been a disappointment since signing the six-year, $60 million contract and now will need to find another team to play for.
The cornerback has been to the Pro Bowl three times while with the Raiders, but his play has slipped over the past two seasons. Even though the Chiefs signed Dunta Robinson, the team could bring in Asomugha to add depth to a position that needs it. The team has Brandon Flowers, but they lost Brandon Carr prior to last season and ranked in the middle of the league in passing defense.
"Coach [Chip] Kelly and I each had a chance to speak with Nnamdi earlier and he took the news with a lot of class," general manager Howie Roseman said in a statement on the team's website. "We expected nothing less than that from him. He has been a true pro on and off the field for this organization and our community and we wish him all the best as he continues his NFL career. We spoke to his representatives at the combine about his future status with the team and wanted to take time to analyze and make a decision. In the end, Coach and I both felt we needed to move in a different direction at the cornerback position for 2013 and beyond."
Reid will bring intensity to the defense and both Asomugha or Sean Smith could be good fits, as Smith is a free agent and the Dolphins don't appear ready to re-sign him. Asomugha is 31-years-old and although his skills have diminished, he is still an above average cover man in the league.
The Chiefs have made a number of moves this offseason to improve, including trading for Alex Smith and signing Dwayne Bowe to a long-term deal. The team also brought in free agent Anthony Fasano and signed punter Dustin Colquitt. Smith should help the Chiefs in the passing game, where they ranked 32nd, while the cornerbacks could help improve a defense that allowed a high amount of yards last season.
The Chiefs won their second game of the season, but then lost 12 of the next 13 games, with a win over the Panthers as their last victory of the season.
