It’s probably possible to find speculation linking Nnamdi Asomugha, the prize of the free-agent market, with each of the NFL’s 32 teams. Most NFL observers, however, believe it’s a foregone conclusion Asomugha won’t be back in Oakland, primarily due to the size of the contract he will command among bidders and the fact the organization handed out big deals to DE Richard Seymour and CB Stanford Routt .

Not NFL.com senior analyst Gil Brandt, who believes the team’s owner is a wild card.

“Don’t be surprised if Asomugha goes back to the Raiders,” Brandt said during a live chat Tuesday. “Al Davis historically loves cornerbacks and will do everything possible to get Asomugha back. The money was one reason why the Raiders didn’t pick up his option.”

In fact, it’s not the first time Brandt has discussed the possibility of an Asomugha return.

What if it’s not the Raiders? Brandt lists the Eagles, Lions and Texans (in no particular order) as the other front-runners for Asomugha. Brandt believes the Lions have legitimate interest in Asomugha, and the situation in Detroit is one the two-time first-team All-Pro would consider.

“I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they make a big play for Asomugha,” Brandt said. “And I think he would consider the situation in Detroit and playing for Jim Schwartz, who has won the respect of his team. A cornerback’s best friend is a great defensive line, and right now the Lions have a pretty good group of defensive linemen.”

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