During Al Davis’ recent epic press conference, he explained the difficulties in retaining cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.
For the $17 million the Raiders paid Asomugha in 2010, Davis explained, the team could sign 2-3 quality players. Makes sense. So what does Davis do in his first huge post Hue Jackson move of the offseason?
He hands Richard Seymour a possible $30 million over the next two years, including $22 million guaranteed. On a per-year basis, Seymour just became the highest paid defensive player in the league.
The Raiders were undoubtedly in a tough spot and the franchise tag can now be used on Zach Miller. But they still overpaid. We don’t think Seymour gets that type of money at this stage in his career. He’s been very good the last two years, but only occasionally dominating. He turns 32 years old this year. That money is for a MVP-caliber player in his prime.
We mentioned this morning how difficult it will be to keep cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. It just got a lot tougher.
This move could be a tacit admission the Raiders felt it was unlikely to keep Asomugha because Seymour isn’t going to be the highest paid defensive player in the league for long.