The Atlanta Falcons have confirmed they are in contract talks with defensive end Osi Umenyiora, and the team could be closing in on a deal with the free agent, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Falcons confirm contract negotiations with Osi Umenyiora
The Atlanta Falcons may be nearing a deal with free agent defensive end Osi Umenyiora.
Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff told Ledbetter the team’s talks with Umenyiora’s representatives are “fluid and amicable”:
“We’re in the process of having discussions with his representatives,” Dimitroff said on Monday. “There’s nothing new to report at this point. We have a solid relationship with CAA (Creative Artists Agency) and our discussions are fluid and amicable.”
Umenyiora, a 10-year veteran who has played his entire career with the New York Giants, has been one of the NFL's best defensive linemen over the last several years. During his time in New York, he has compiled 376 tackles, 75 sacks and 26 tackles for loss. Those sack numbers rank Umenyiora 10th among active players. In 2012, he totaled 43 tackles, six sacks and three tackles for loss. His best season came in 2005, when he finished the year with 70 tackles, 14.5 sacks and three tackles for loss.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Umenyiora played a key role in the Giants' Super Bowl-winning seasons in 2007 and 2011.
Umenyiora would be a major signing for the Falcons, as the team desperately needs a legitimate pass rusher. Atlanta recorded just 29 sacks in 2012, ranking 28th in the NFL.
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