Giants To Cut Osi?

As we approach the end of the NFL lockout the rumors have begun to swirl full force. During the entire lockout there has been talk here and there about what may happen once free agency begins but there has been one player who we’ve heard about every single week. That player is Osi Umenyiora who has made sure everyone knows his disgust with his current contract and New York Giants General Manager Jerry Reese. As the lockout ends some league sources feel that the Giants may just cut ties with their pass rushing specialist.

“The Giants have said that they are not going to cut him, John Mara, the Giants owner has said that,” Schefter said when going over potential big names to be cut on SportsCenter this morning. “However there have been rumblings around the league that Osi Umenyiora would be on the bubble. I think he’d like to be released to be able to shop his services to another team.”

“Remember, he criticized the Giants organization in testimony that he gave to the courts and was one of the name plaintiffs in the Brady vs NFL case,” Schefter continued. “Again, not saying he winds up getting cut but there are people around the league who think he could get cut.” (ESPN New York)

Personally, I don’t see any way this happens. Over the past decade or so the Giants defense has relied on a strong group of defensive ends, take Osi out of the mix and they’re no longer that strong. Justin Tuck is on his way to elite status but the rest of the group leaves something to be desired.

Mathias Kiwanuka was on his way to a huge 2010 season (four sacks in the first three games, only starting one) before suffering a herniated disk in his neck, an injury that could have been career threatening. He’s recently been cleared to play but will he be able to perform at the high level he did before it? On top of that, will he even be a member of the Giants in 2011? He’s one of the teams many free agents and you know many others in the league would jump at the chance to sign him if he becomes available.

Jason Paul-Pierre gave a taste of the potential he possesses but is he ready to take over the reigns? Probably not.

So as you see the Giants really can’t afford to lose Osi at the time being. If Kiwanuka were to return and at full strength then it’s possible but right now there is just too many what ifs for them to just outright release Umenyiora.

My money is actually on Osi holding out once training camp begins (sometime in the next week we hope). He’s made way too many waves during the lockout to just step back and show up to camp like nothings happened.

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Tags: Jason Paul-Pierre, Mathias Kiwanuka, New York Giants, NFL, Osi Umenyiora