Few things in Oakland are certain, but two things this season virtually are.

One is that cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha will go to the Pro Bowl this season. The second is that for the second straight year, the Raiders will slap their franchise tag on Asomugha. It is the only way they can assure keeping him.

The franchise tag for Asomugha will cost the Raiders $11.7 million, a small price to pay for the player that many believe is the best cornerback in the game. Opposing teams no longer even look to throw to Asamghoua’s side; one knowledgeable league source who tracks these sorts of things estimated that only 10 passes have been thrown Asomugha’s way all season.

It’s almost as if the game starts with a Raiders opponent having only a half field to use. It is the main reason Oakland wants to sign Asomugha to a long-term extension. But the Raiders have been trying to do that for about a year now, and have had no success. Nor will they anytime soon.

The Raiders might have plotted to save money on DeAngelo Hall to give to Asomugha. But Asomugha has to be willing to accept the Raiders’ offers. So far he hasn’t come close.