What A Long, Strange Road It's Been: Osi Umenyiora Returns To Giants

After weeks of having action that is better played out on soap operas then on the sports field, Osi Umenyiora is returning to the New York Giants sans a new contract. He will report to practice today for Giants training camp, and that he will play 2011 season without a new deal. Umenyiora is going to make $7.1 million over the next two seasons. In an email to the Associated Press, Umenyiora said, "No deal has been reworked. What has been offered has been unacceptable and shows they don't really respect the fact I sacrifice my health for the franchise. I will play under my current deal because I love and respect my coaches, my teammates, the fans, and myself. Not for those incentives." The Giants initially gave Umenyiora the right to explore a trade after he expressed disinterest in playing for them, but rescinded the offer after they could not get adequate value for the former Pro Bowler. The Giants had been asking for a first round draft pick. The Giants rescinded the offer on August 3 after a report appeared in the Baltimore Sun that the Giants had dropped their asking price to a second round draft pic.