After days of finalizing a deal, it’s finally done as the Falcons and defensive end Osi Umenyiora have agreed on a two-year contract.
The former New York Giants Pro Bowler played in all 16 games last year, making four starts and tallying 55 tackles, six sacks, five tackles for loss and one forced fumble. Since being drafted by the Giants in 2003, Umenyiora has posted 75 career sacks which puts him ninth in the NFL among active players. He also was a key player in the Giants Super Bowl victories in 2007 and 2011.
The two-year deal is worth $8.5 million with a max value of $12.2 million according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoprt. The deal also includes $5.5 million the first year.
Umenyiora, who lives in Atlanta during the offseason, made it clear in a radio interview on 92.9 the Game last week that he wanted to play for the Falcons this season and beyond.
“There was nothing better than to be able to win (in New York),” Umenyiora said, referring to his two Super Bowl wins with the Giants. “The only thing I can think of that would be better than being able to win in New York would be to be able to win here in Atlanta. We’ll see how that plays out. Hopefully, it works out in a positive direction.”
With the signing of Umenyiora, the Falcons pass rush got a boost. However, the team will look to add more pieces to the defensive line in the draft which takes place next month.
The addition of Umenyiora has been an example of how aggressive the Falcons have been during free agency. When the free agency period started earlier this month, the Falcons re-signed safety William Moore and offensive tackle Sam Baker. Later in the period, the Falcons got the news that Tony Gonzalez will return for another year and signed him to a two-year deal.
Two weeks ago, the Falcons landed former St. Louis Rams running back Stephen Jackson and signed him to two a three-year contract.
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