The Atlanta Falcons have been making roster moves involving the defensive side of the ball, and speculation is growing that more changes could be coming.
Osi Umenyiora is due to count $4.75 million agains the cap in 2014 and the team could save $3.5 million if they cut him before he’s due a roster bonus in mid-March.
Umenyiora led the team with 7.5 sacks in 2013, told Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com that he’s open to the realities of the business side of football, but that he thinks he’ll remain in Atlanta for another year.
“To say that money is not a lot would be crazy because that’s a lot of money, period,” Umenyiora said. “But if you look at it strictly in football terms and what the top-tier defensive ends are getting paid. … Mario Williams, who is making like, what, $16 million per year? It’s tough for me to answer that [money] question because it all depends on what my perceived value to the team is.”
I think the Falcons have no choice but to bring back Umenyiora. Things could change before or after the draft, but right now he’s Atlanta’s best pass rusher.
