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Osi Umenyiora: 'I'll Be Happy With Anything That Happens'

Osi Umenyiora of the New York Giants answers questions from the press during a media availability session for Super Bowl XLVI at the Indianapolis Downtown Marriott on February 2, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
Osi Umenyiora of the New York Giants answers questions from the press during a media availability session for Super Bowl XLVI at the Indianapolis Downtown Marriott on February 2, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
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New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora said Monday on ESPN Radio's 'Mike & Mike' program that when it comes to being traded by the Giants this offseason he could "see it going either way."

"We're just going to have to wait and see," Umenyiora said. "I can see it going either way. I can see where they would keep me, I can see where they would trade me, because it makes sense both ways. So hopefully things will work out in my interest. I know the team is going to do what's best for them. They've always made the right decisions for that organization. Whether that's keeping me or trading me, I'd love to stay, but at the end of the day I understand it's a business and hopefully things will work out."

Umenyiora also said he is "cool" with the Giants organization despite his highly-publicized issues with GM Jerry Reese and his contract in past offseasons.

"Me and Jerry Reese, me and the owners, Mr. Mara and Mr. Tisch, we're all cool," Umenyiora said. "Even when all that stuff was going on, it wasn't really as contentious as people would have thought. We just sat down and had a lot of conversations. We went back and forth as to what was going on. They understand it's a business just like I understand it's a business. If anything happens, in the event that I am traded or released, it's not going to be bad. They would probably be doing it for my own good, in actuality, so I'll be happy with anything that happens."

The most interesting thing here is that Umenyiora is not demanding anything. After having complained about playing time two offseasons ago and demanded a trade last offseason when he could not get the new contract he he wanted it sounds as though he will accept whatever the Giants decide to do without making an issue of it.

Personally, as long as Umenyiora can be happy with the Giants, I would love to see them keep him. He is only due $3.975 million for 2012, and unless the Giants are overwhelmed by a trade offer that would include a couple of high draft picks I don't know why they would trade him. He remains a difference-maker as a pass-rusher, and the plethora of defensive ends the Giants possess is part of what sets the Giants defense apart.

NOTE: 'Kudos' to Pro Football Talk for transcribing much of Umenyiora's 'Mike & Mike' appearance. 'Kudos' also to Mike Garafolo for finding this long before I did. Someday I will learn to listen to sports talk radio regularly during the day.