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Is Osi Umenyiora in his final hours as a member of the New York Giants? Anything can happen during the NFL Draft, of course, but it certainly feels right now as though that is a real possibility.
We heard just a little while ago that the Giants had inked defensive end/linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka to a three-year contract extension, meaning he will be in a New York thru the 2015 season.
Umenyiora told the Star-Ledger's Mike Garafolo via e-mail that he was "happy for Kiwi." You know, however, that Umenyiora would love an extension of his own -- something he has been publicly pining for for years now. Umenyiora also added "my situation will take care of itself soon" in his e-mail to Garafolo.
Could "soon" be a couple of hours from now during Round 2 or Round 3 of the 2012 NFL Draft?
Earlier this week Umenyiora indicated it was possible the Giants would trade him during the draft. Since Umenyiora's remarks the Giants have added veteran defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, a move which really should not impact Umenyiora, and extended Kiwanuka's contract.
What scenarios could find Umenyiora playing for a different team after Friday night? Well, the St. Louis Rams have three picks in the first 13 selections of Round 2 this evening. Could the Giants dangle Umenyiora and a late-round or future pick to move into the first part of the second round? General manager Jerry Reese has seemed to indicate there are a lot of players on the Giants' draft board with second-round grades.
One writer has floated the idea of the Tennessee Titans making a pitch to get Umenyiora from the Giants before the draft is over.
What about the Denver Broncos? John Elway has two second-round selections, the fourth and 25th picks of the evening, and a need for help on the defensive line. The Broncos have to be in "win now" mode with Peyton Manning at quarterback. Would they give up that fourth pick, 36th overall, for the 30-year-old two-time Pro Bowler?
Maybe Umenyiora will remain with the Giants beyond Friday night and into the 2012 season. Maybe he won't. The uncertainty surrounding his future, however, makes tonight that much more interesting.