Acquiring Giants DE Osi Umenyiora makes sense for the New Orleans Saints

His current contract of $41.3 million for seven years, with only a $4.6 million cap hit in 2012. By trading Smith for Umenyiora, the Saints would free up $5.1 million in cap space for 2012.

However, trading Smith for Umenyiora wouldn’t make sense for the Giants seeing as that would put them even further over the cap.

The Saints could cut defensive end Will Smith and offer the Giants a different package, which could include a young player and draft picks, which would also be cost efficient for the New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants.

Osi Umenyiora is a 6’3, 255 pounds, and is a 31-year veteran entering his 10th season in the NFL.

The New York Giants selected him from Troy University in the second round (56th overall) in the 2003 NFL Draft.

He could add a much needed pass rush to the Saints defense.

In his nine seasons as a pro, he has achieved six sacks or more in seven of the nine.

The only season he didn’t achieve the six sack mark was his rookie year in 2003. He didn’t play in the 2008 season due to injury.

His on the field accomplishments range from being a two time Pro Bowler (2005-2007), to being the NFC sack leader in 2005.

He holds the New York Giants franchise record for most sacks in a game (6) which he registered against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2007.

To go along with that,  he also holds the NFL record for most forced fumbles in a season (10) which he achieved in 2010.

In November 2010, Osi Umenyiora was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month after recording 18 tackles (10 solo), seven sacks, and six forced fumbles in the Giants’ four October wins.

His value is high, but he also injury prone, so that could effect the price the Saints could obtain him at.

The Giants placed Osi Umenyiora on injured reserve after suffering cartilage damage in a preseason game against the New York Jets.

He was forced to undergo season-ending surgery.

This past season he missed seven games due to ankle and knee injuries.

He does come with some distractions though.

Prior to the start of the 2011 season, the Giants placed him on the Reserve/Did Not Report list for failing to show up to opening day of training camp.

Upon arriving to camp late the next day,  Umenyiora claimed that Giants General Manager Jerry Reese promised to renegotiate his contract after the 2010 season, but failed to do so.

He has been fined by the NFL two separate times.

Most recently this past season before Super Bowl XLVI, when he failed to show up for the Giants mandatory 45 minute media interview at their hotel.

The NFL hit him with a $20,000 dollar fine a few hours later.

In 2010, Osi Umenyiora was fined $12,500 for a hit on Minnesota quarterback Tarvaris Jackson during the Giants 21-3 win over the Vikings in Detroit.

An NFL spokesman said Umenyiora was fined for “roughing the passer” when he “unnecessarily struck the quarterback in the head and neck area.”

Should these issues be not taken into consideration by teams, he is a big time addition for anyone who can acquire him.

He is a relentless pass rusher with great speed, who can plow over offensive linemen.

He doesn’t have a wide array of defensive moves, so he often has trouble against more technical offensive linemen.

Along with his speed, he also has great determination and ball awareness. He is a superb tackler who generates turnovers often when you need them most.

He is a game changing defensive end and someone who will be sought after by plenty of teams around the NFL should the Giants be willing to trade him.

With defensive ends like Robert Mathis of the Indianapolis Colts, Mario Williams of the Houston Texans, Cliff Avril of the Detroit Lions and John Abraham of the Atlanta Falcons all becoming free agents, this may be a window of opportunity for the Saints.

As the offseason rolls on many teams will be filling roster spots and upgrading positions through free agency and the NFL Draft.

Due to this reason, Umenyiora may fall off some teams radar, which could help the bargaining price for a trade due to lack of interest.

The New York Giants would be smart to trade Umenyiora while he is still very productive at his age.

Expect the Saints make a move for the productive defense end, especially since Spagnuolo is a huge fan of his.

Umenyiora has shown his ability to play in Spagnuolo’s defense already, and the Saints are in desperate need of help on their defensive line, especially for someone with the ability to rush the passer.

He would be a perfect fit, cost efficient addition to the New Orleans Saints defense in 2012.