The Raiders have spent most of their first-round draft choices this decade – five, to be exact – on defensive backs.
Between prospects who never became stars (Derrick Gibson, 2001) and players the Raiders believe haven't tapped their potential (Michael Huff, 2006), the team landed a player who has become one of the best at his position.
That player, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, is scheduled to become a free agent Feb. 29.
Actually, Asomugha won't hit the open market. He's likely to be named the Raiders' franchise player by Thursday's deadline.
The franchise tag would give Asomugha a one-year contract for $9.465 million. The Raiders expressed a desire during the 2007 season to negotiate a long-term deal with Asomugha after he led them with eight interceptions in 2006.
Teams didn't throw at Asomugha nearly as much last season, and he had one only interception. But Asomugha is still viewed as one of the NFL's best cornerbacks.
Contract talks, however, haven't progressed to the point that a deal is imminent. The Raiders could continue working on a contract after franchising Asomugha.
The Raiders, following team policy, do not comment on contract negotiations. Asomugha's agent, Steve Baker, declined comment.
But there's little doubt Asomugha will receive the franchise tag.
"We're still dealing with his agent on a couple of different scenarios as far as length of contract or whether we go (the franchise) route," coach Lane Kiffin said Dec. 31. "But we definitely want him back here, and we are going to make sure he is on our team."
The parameters for a long-term deal might not be reached until the spring, when two other cornerbacks are signed.
Seattle cornerback Marcus Trufant also is scheduled to be a free agent, and like Asomugha, he is likely to be franchised.
New England's Asante Samuel is likely to set the market. He was franchised by the Patriots last year and will command much more than the guaranteed $22 million Nate Clements received from the 49ers last offseason.
New role
Another of Baker's clients, running back Justin Fargas, was able to strike a deal with the Raiders.
Fargas, like Asomugha, was part of the Raiders' 2003 draft. He signed a three-year contract worth $12 million Wednesday, with $6 million due this year.
A third-round pick, Fargas has gone from backup to key to the offense.
"(I'm) just looking forward to preparing myself to improve as much as I can as a player to help this team … just to help us all together as a club to improve," Fargas said on Raiders.com.
LaMont Jordan tried to assume the leadership role before losing his job to Fargas.
With a salary of $4.7 million due in 2008, Jordan probably will get his wish and be released.
Read Jason Jones' Raiders blog at www.sacbee.com/blogs.
