NFL Trade Rumors 2013: Eagles Expected to Release Nnamdi Asomugha

The City of Brotherly Love is about to lose a family member by showing some tough love. 

Philadelphia Eagles Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is expected to be released soon. How soon is still up for debate. 

Fox 29's Howard Eskin originally broke the story of Asomugha getting his pink slip and tweeted about it today. "I'm told #eagles will release CB Nnamdi Asomugha 2Day after 2 years w team. He was to make 15 million this season. He does get 4 mill #fox29." It wasn't before long that several other news agencies jumped on it. Later, the Eagles would make a statement that he would not be released. 

Well not today, anyway. 

ESPN had reported that in February that the team gave Asomugha an ultimatum to restructure his contract or that he would be released. Normally, players acquiesce and take a pay cut or restructure their contract. So far, the 31-year old Asomugha hasn't decided on restructuring. The $4 million in guaranteed money is a good reason to take your time...and tell your bosses to take a hike. 

Asomugha was signed in 2011 to a 4-year, $60 million dollar contract. He never lived up to that contract despite being a three-time Pro Bowler during his 2003 to 2010 tenure with the Oakland Raiders. 

Eskin would later backtrack on his original tweet, but maintained that Asomugha would be released. "Bad tweet. I jumped the gun on Nnamdi Asomugha. #eagles not releasing him 2day. But don't worry it will happen. #fox29 bleep happens."

Whether it's strictly a cost-cutting move or a general house cleaning remains to be seen. New coaches tend to like to have their footprint on as much personnel as possible. Coach Chip Kelly gave no indication of displeasure with Asomugha and began the week with praise for him. "We've done film evaluation, and our staff and GM Howie Roseman will sit down together and see where we'll move forward," Kelly said. "But as a person, I think he's outstanding. I think Nnamdi has the skill set...that can play football." 

The rebuilding Eagles went 8-8 in 2011 and 4-12 last season. Asomugha may be $4 million worth of outstanding, but he may need to keep his bags packed.