Atlanta Falcons defensive end Osi Umenyiora (90) looks on during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Giants have an opening at defensive end with veteran leader Justin Tuck hitting the free agent market, and it looks like some other team will be willing to pay him more than the Giants are willing to spend. If that’s the case, then the Giants will be in the market for another DE to add to the mix, even with Damontre Moore poised to take on a bigger role with the team next year. The Giants DE-heavy attack would still need another player, whether or not they are a veteran like Tuck or a younger player.
According to the Star-Ledger’s Conor Orr, there is a possibility of a reunion between Osi Umenyiora and the New York Giants if the Atlanta Falcons decide to cut the 32-year-old. The Falcons would like him to take a paycut from his $2.5 million base salary, because he also has a $500,000 roster bonus set for his contract year. $3 million isn’t much at the position, but the Falcons also want to add a younger, more dynamic player who can function as a true star at the position. Osi is still productive, but he’s also declining and isn’t the kind of star talent they truly crave. If he’s willing to take a paycut, though, I’m sure they’d love to keep him.
I think it’s more likely for Umenyiora to say “no way” to the Falcons, and I’m sure he feels like he’s worth at least $3 million after recording 7.5 sacks last season. “Two people familiar with the situation” told Orr that Umenyiora “would entertain” a deal from the Giants, and the team would “at least investigate” the possibility of signing him if he were to become a free agent. There’s some smoke here, so it’s at least worth watching for if Umenyiora does decide to decline the Falcons paycut request.