Osi Umenyiora Reaches Deal with Atlanta Falcons

After weeks of speculation and reports of a potential deal, free agent defensive end Osi Umenyiora and the Atlanta Falcons have finally agreed to terms on a contract.

Jun 14, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the Giants minicamp at their training facility. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

According to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, the contract is a 2 year deal and will finally give the Falcons the pass rusher they have been seeking since their release of last season’s sack leader John Abraham. ESPN’s Adam Schefter has also reported that the contract is worth $8.5 million with $5 million guaranteed.

Umeneyiora only recorded 6 sacks a season ago – 4 less than Abraham – but had 21 combined sacks in the previous two seasons. The Falcons will have to hope that his disappointing 2012 season was a fluke, as they will rely on the 31-year-old to provide the consistent pass rush that the team has lacked for years. If Umenyiora can live up to expectations, it could turn an already dangerous Falcons team into a NFL powerhouse.