The Atlanta Falcons are nearing the end of their search for a defensive pass rusher. The team has been combing through the free agents in search of a veteran player that can be productive as a legitamte pass rusher. After releasing John Abraham in order to clear cap space, the Falcons have looked at everyone from Dwight Freeney to Richard Seymour. Now it seems they are about to land their guy in Osi Umenyiora.
Umenyiora became a free agent after spending 10 years with the New York Giants. The Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff confirmed the team was in discussions with Umenyiora's agents, trying to work a deal out.
"We're in the process of having discussions with his representatives. There's nothing new to report at this point. We have a solid relationship with CAA and our discussions are fluid and amicable," Dimitroff said.
Umenyiora is considered one of the NFL's best defensive linemen. He has spent his entire career with the Giants. He has racked up 75 sacks in the league since being drafted by the team in the second round of the NFL draft in 2003, along with 376 tackles and 26 tackles for a loss. He ranks 10th among active players in sack totals. In 2012, he tallied up 43 tackles and six sacks.
Umenyiora would not only bring veteran leadership to the Falcons defense, but he would also bring championship experience as well. Umenyiora is a two-time Pro Bowler who played a key role in the Giants' Super Bowl wins in 2007 and 2011. The team is in desperate need of a player that can put pressure on the quarterback. The team as a whole recorded just 29 sacks in 2012, ranking them 28th in the NFL in that category.
Umenyiora lives in Atlanta and has expressed desire to play in his home city.
"There was nothing better than being able to win there [in New York]. The only thing I can thing I can think of, for myself personally, better than being able to win in New York would be if I was able to win here at home in Atlanta. So we'll see how that plays out. Hopefully, it will work out in a positive direction," Umenyiora said.
NFL sources believe that Umenyiora will sign with the Atlanta Falcons sometime Monday or Tuesday.
