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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 9:55 a.m., Thursday, February 19, 2009

NFL: Raiders keep CB Asomugha with hefty contract

By GREG BEACHAM
Associated Press

OAKLAND, Calif. — All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha has re-signed with the Oakland Raiders, avoiding the franchise tag by agreeing to a three-year contract that's thought to be the richest ever given to a defensive back.

Asomugha, who's heading into his seventh NFL season, is considered one of the league's best cover defenders. He was selected for the Pro Bowl and chosen to the AP All-Pro team last season despite getting just one interception because Oakland's opponents rarely even dared to throw to his side of the field.

News reports from the NFL combine in Indianapolis differed widely on the financial value of the contract, but most cited the value at more than $30 million, making it among the biggest ever given to a cornerback or safety.