Ex-Giants Pass Rusher Osi Umenyiora Visits Jets
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Osi Umenyiora wants to retire, whenever that day comes, as a member of the New York Giants.
But in the meantime his next stop could be with the MetLife Stadium co-tenant Jets.
The free-agent defensive end was in Florham Park on Wednesday for a visit with Gang Green, general manager Mike Maccagnan confirmed Thursday. Umenyiora played the past two seasons in Atlanta after spending the first 10 years of his career with the Giants.
The Jets could use some depth in the pass rush after completely revamping the weak link of their defense -- the secondary -- by reuniting with Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, signing cornerback Buster Skrine and adding Marcus Gilchrist at safety.
Sheldon Richardson led the Jets with eight sacks last season. Only two other players had six or more: Quinton Coples (6.5) and Muhammad Wilkerson (6.0).
Though Umenyiora's visit wasn't on the schedule, Maccagnan said he'll keep tabs on the free agent.
Umenyiora would bring a Super Bowl pedigree from his days with the Giants, though he hasn't registered a double-digit-sack season since 2011 (11.5). The 33-year-old had 10 sacks in his two years with the Falcons, but only 2.5 in 2014 as he was relegated to backup duty.
"I'm not going to play another 10 years," Umenyiora said last month, according to ESPN. "I'm not going to play another three years. Whenever it is that I retire, I think it would only make sense for me to do that as a Giant."
Umenyiora was linked to the Jets during his last dip into the open market in 2013.
The Jets reportedly came to terms with former Giants offensive lineman James Brewer on Thursday. Linebacker Jamari Lattimore and Brewer visited the Jets on Wednesday, Newsday reported. Wide receiver Denarius Moore will meet with the club Thursday, according to the newspaper.
