In his first comments as a member of the 49ers, Nnamdi Asomugha said he’s eager to prove that he still has what it takes to be an elite NFL cornerback.
Asomugha, who’s obviously aware of all the talk that his skills have declined to such an extent that he might not even make the roster in San Francisco, said today that he wants to show everyone just what kind of player he really is.
“My mindset is to come in and compete and be the best I can possibly be,” Asomugha said. “I’ve had a chip on my shoulder every year that I’ve played, I think it’s bigger this year.”
For the 49ers, who got Asomugha without having to give him any guaranteed money, it’s a no-lose deal: If Asomugha doesn’t have anything left, they can cut him. If Asomugha is able to play in San Francisco the way he did during his best years in Oakland, then they’ve gotten a huge addition to their secondary at a bargain-basement price.
And the good news for San Francisco is that Asomugha sounds like he’ll be playing like he has something to prove.