Two of the Raiders' top players, and arguably the best in the NFL at their respective positions, are up for free agency in 2009. The Raiders' All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, and All-Pro punter Shane Lechler are not likely to both be starting the 2009 season with the Oakland Raiders. One of them will almost inevitabley move on.
Asomugha has reportedly stated that he's interested in seeing what's out there, and it's been hinted that Lechler may want to explore greener pastures as well. However, it's certain that Al Davis is going to slap the franchise tag on one of these players. The obvious choice would most likely be Asomugha, given that he's not only the Raiders' top player in the defensive secondary, but perhaps the best corner in the NFL. While having a shut-down corner like Asomugha on the roster is a definite need for the Raiders, so is a punter of Lechler's caliber.
When it's all said and done, Lechler will probably end his career being recognized as the greatest punter in NFL history, and may possibly become the first punter in the Hall of Fame. Since entering the league in 2000, Lechler has already set five Raiders' regular season records, and holds the all-time record in the NFL for highest career average per punt (46.5 yds).
So how do the Raiders cope with this off-season dilemma of trying to retain one, or both of these players? Slapping the exlusive rights tag on Asomugha is most likely what will happen. Davis will either arrange a long-term deal or trade him to another team for some hefty draft picks. It'd be sad to see Nnamdi leave the Raiders, but it's unclear whether or not the organization will be able to afford the salary it would require to keep him in Oakland for years to come.
Lechler on the other hand, would be easy to afford. Both players would attract much attention from other teams, but even as good as Lechler is, he still wouldn't be as desirable as Asomugha. Unfortunately, Lechler is probably more than interested in leaving Raider land. If being the best player in the NFL at your position, while being stuck on a losing and dysfunctional franchise for the past five years wasn't enough, how about a nice sock to the face from teammate Terdell Sands? Sands, who's 6'7" and weighing in at 335 lbs., decked Lechler on the team flight home from Denver on Novemeber 23rd.
In an ideal world, the Raiders and Asomugha could agree to a long-term contract that would keep him in the Silver and Black for eight more years perhaps. Then, they could take Lechler out, get him drunk and throw enough money at him to keep him happy. However, the truth of the matter is, neither one of these guys is excited about staying with the Raiders. I guess it'll depend upon who wants out more.
If Asomugha is bent on going to another team, Davis could put the non-exclusive tag on him and let Nnamdi shop himself around. The Raiders could seek a valuable trade for him or receive a couple first round picks, which they could certainly use for their rebuilding process. This would probably allow the Raiders to throw a boat-load of cash at Lechler and make him the highest paid punter in league history.
My early prediction is that Asomugha will probably be in another uniform next season. With all of the bad personnel decisions that have been made - throwing outrageous contracts at has-beens and never-will-be's, I don't see how they could pay Asomugha enough money to keep him happy in the land of silver and black. Personally, I'd like to see Lechler retire a Raider, so that wouldn't bum me out too much. I'd just be concerned that the Raiders didn't squander their compensation for Asomugha on more bad players.
This should be an interesting off-season for Oakland. Raider Nation... hold on tight... we could be in for a very bumpy ride.
