The war of words between Osi Umenyiora and GM Jerry Reese is underway once again. A year ago, during the lockout, Osi called Reese a liar in court according to a court affidavit. Now, Osi is accusing the Giants, specifically Reese, of making him to look greedy and selfish in contract negotiations. Reese recently stated that the Giants have offered two separate contract extensions in the 12 months.
“Last year I was offered incentives. This year they offered me in guaranteed money, HALF of what they just gave Kiwi guaranteed. HALF,” Umenyiora wrote. “I’m not making that up. Then Jerry tells the world they offered me an extension and I turned it down. And I look like a greedy pig for turning it down. Hilarious.”
The Giants reached a contract extension with Kiwanuka last week, that guarantees him $10.95 million. That means that Osi is stating that the Giants have only offered him approximately $5.5 million. Osi believes, and correctly, that he is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. What the value is on someone as one-dimensional as Osi is up for debate. Kiwanuka can play both linebacker and put his hand on the ground at defensive end, where Osi struggles against the run and lost his starting job to Jason Pierre-Paul. Osi is scheduled to make $3.975 million in the last year of his contract.
Just prior to last weeks draft, Osi attempted to entice teams in the NFL by announcing that he wouldn’t demand a new contract if they traded for him. It didn’t work out for him, as he is still a Giant today. What this means is that him and the Giants will attempt to continue some kind of new deal, or simply plan on playing out his final year with the team with expectations of him entering into free agency following the 2012 season. However, that doesn’t mean that Osi will not attempt another holdout, more likely to be longer than his short-lived one last summer. Osi has always stated that he loves playing for the Giants and with his teammates, but that his contract is about business.
No comments:
Post a Comment