The Giants solved one of their biggest training camp problems on Monday, but another continued to escalate.
Ahmad Bradshaw, the 25-year old running back who led the team with 1,235 rushing yards and caught 47 passes last season, signed a four-year contract worth a reported $18 million, $9 million guaranteed.
But Osi Umenyiora, the disgruntled two-time Pro Bowl defensive end who has been demanding a trade or a restructured contract, voiced his displeasure about his status. In an e-mail sent to The Associated Press, Umenyiora said that he hoped there was a chance of working something out with the Giants but “what really annoys me is the hypocrisy of people clamoring for my head for asking for a new deal or to be traded, saying I have two years left on my deal.”
“The fact is in the business we are in, if you get injured or they feel like you underperformed, they cut you without hesitation,” Umenyiora continued. “But if you clearly outplay your contract and ask for something to be done, you’re a bad guy and not a team player. It’s ridiculous.”
In December 2005, Umenyiora signed a six-year extension through 2012 worth $41 million, $15 million guaranteed. Dealing for Umenyiora may be difficult under the new collective bargaining agreement, which includes a strict wage scale for rookies. In the past, teams often traded first-round picks because they did not want to pay large salary bonuses for unproven players. With rookie wages under control, teams are more likely to hold onto a first-round pick — a likely asking price for Umenyiora — than pursue a veteran with a history of hip injuries.
A team that trades for Umenyiora would also have to offer him a new contract. The market for defensive ends has become pricier in the last few days: Charles Johnson signed a six-year, $76-million contract with the Carolina Panthers, and Cullen Jenkins signed a five-year deal worth $25 million with the Philadelphia Eagles. The developments have irked Umenyiora.
“How does a guy who had one good year (no disrespect to Charles Johnson) sign a deal and make more than both me and Tuck combined?” Umenyiora wrote, referring to his teammate Justin Tuck. “It’s not right.”
Coach Tom Coughlin said the issue would not be a distraction, adding, “The sooner all these things get resolved and we get Osi back on the field, the better we’re going to be.” Umenyiora reported to camp one day late on Saturday. He met with General Manager Jerry Reese on Saturday and had a physical and a meeting with the team doctor, Russell Warren, on Sunday. He attended practice on Sunday and Monday in a jersey but no pads.
Umenyiora recorded 11 ½ sacks and forced 10 fumbles last season despite playing through hip pain. He had hip surgery in January. Umenyiora expects to be paid like one of the top five defensive ends in the league. The Giants have released several veterans to get beneath the $120 million salary cap and have little breathing room for contract renegotiations.
Tuck, the defensive captain, said he did not believe that Umenyiora was sitting out practices as a ploy. “I don’t think Osi’s playing games,” he said. “I feel it’s important to play out the contract as long as you’re happy. As long as you feel they’re doing right by you.”
Like the Giants, many teams are close to the cap and trying to come to terms with their own free agents. The few teams that were in cap position to offer large salaries, like the Eagles, have already done so. For now, Umenyiora remains on the Giants’ roster, even if his practice activity is watching practice and riding a stationary bike. Perry Fewell, the defensive coordinator, said Umenyiora had not been a distraction in camp.
“He’s in my meetings,” Fewell said. “He’s paying attention, and he’s part of my football team.”
EXTRA POINTS
The Giants reportedly signed tight end Ben Patrick to a one-year deal. Patrick set a career high with 15 receptions for the Arizona Cardinals last season and will probably compete with Travis Beckum for the backup tight end job. Kevin Boss remains unsigned. David Carr, who backed up Eli Manning in 2008 and 2009 and played one game for the San Francisco 49ers last season, has signed. He will probably compete with Sage Rosenfels. ... The Giants claimed guard Herman Johnson off waivers from the Chicago Bears.
