New York Giants CEO John Mara told Steve Politi of the Star-Ledger that he believes the team will work out its differences with Osi Umenyiora, and that the unhappy defensive end will remain with the team.
"Yes. I think it will be resolved and he'll be a Giant this year," Mara said. "It's something we can work out. We're already talking to his agent to do something incentive wise with his contract to make him happy.
"We want him on this team," Mara said. "He belongs here. He’s had a great career here. He adds a lot to this team. I always say, the reason we were able to win Super Bowl XLII was that they couldn’t block our front. That was the first time all year Tom Brady faced that kind of pressure. That, to me, is the heart of our team. We’re hoping we can work it out soon."
How they manage to do that remains to be seen. Reports indicate that Umenyiora has been insisting on a new long-term contract or having a year cut off his current deal, which has two years remaining. The Giants reportedly are offering performance-based incentives that could raise Umenyiora's earnings.
It seems, though, that with Mara's urging there might be a glimmer of optimism in the stalemate between Umenyiora and the organization.