:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29692913/175811008.0.jpg)
Good morning, New York Giants' fans! Let's look at the stories making headlines for this Saturday morning.
A Return For Osi Umenyiora?
We have to start today with the Star-Ledger report that Umenyiora could return to the Giants. Umenyiora, in case you missed it, has been asked to take a pay cut by his current team, the Atlanta Falcons. That, of course, leads to the notion that he could be cut if he refuses and ultimately to speculation about a reunion in New York.
Conor Orr of the Star-Ledger writes that the 32-year-old Umenyiora "wouldn't mind a return" and that "the feeling might be mutual."
Valentine's View: Conor Orr does great work and I trust that someone did, indeed, tell him these things. I am, however, not buying the veracity of the 'Osi back to the Giants' idea. Not for a minute. Not as long as Jerry Reese is Giants' general manager. Reese and Umenyiora did not quite have a 'Shockey-esque' blowout, but during Umenyiora's contentious time in New York there was always distrust between Umenyiora and Reese, even if a conciliatory Umenyiora said the two were "cool" when he left the Giants.
Umenyiora had 7.5 sacks in 2013 and can still rush the passer. What I'm not sure he can do is rebuild the bridge back to the Giants that he burned with his years of whining about his contract and, toward the en do his time in New York, his playing time.
The Falcons apparently have not given Umenyiora a 'take the pay cut or take a hike' ultimatum. If they do cut him, though, I would be stunned to see him back with the Giants.
Other News, Notes
Draft guru Mike Mayock was at the Ohio State pro day and made a number of interesting observations.
NFL.com puts Hakeem Nicks at the top of its list of free agents who are about to become overpaid. Houston Texans' running back Ben Tate, a potential target for the Giants, is also on the list.
NFL.com also put together a list of free-agent bargains. Geoff Schwartz, Toby Gerhart and Walter Thurmond, all player swe have discussed as potential Giants' targets, are on the list.
Ever wonder how offensive lineman are really graded in the NFL? Well, former NFL lineman Ross Tucker has an exceptional look at that in Monday Morning Quarterback.