NFL Trade Speculation: What Every Team Must Give Up for Osi Umenyiora

In this long, tense offseason that has been disrupted by the NFL lockout, many things have slid under the radar, one of those things being a possible Osi Umenyiora trade.

Umenyiora has requested either a trade or a new contract, as he believes he should be paid like one of the top defensive tackles in the league.

In a sworn affidavit to be filed in court in Minnesota and uncovered by ESPN, Umenyiora had this to say about his contract situation and legal issues with the New York Giants:

"

After about an hour of discussing my current contract, as well as the contracts of other defensive ends currently playing in the National Football League, Mr. Reese told me that two years from the start of the 2008 league year, if I was currently playing at a high level, we'd either renegotiate my current contract so that it would be equal to that of the top five defensive ends playing or I would be traded to a team that would do that.

Before leaving the meeting, I asked Mr. Reese twice if he was absolutely sure that would be the case. He then told me that he was an honest and church-going man and that he would not lie, which I believed to be the case. Under the penalty of perjury these statements are true and accurate.

"

If the Giants do opt to trade Umenyiora instead of renegotiating his contract, it will be interesting to see what exactly the Giants could secure via trade for Umenyiora's services, especially considering his relationship and antics when Bill Sheridan was the defensive coordinator.

Umenyiora will turn 30 just two months into the season but is still considered one of the premier defensive ends in the NFL.

Arizona Cardinals

Osi Umenyiora thrives in a 4-3 scheme, so it would be surprising if the Cardinals pursued him. No one is quite sure Umenyiora would be able to adapt to that type of scheme. If the Cardinals believe he can stuff the run as a five-technique maybe they consider it for additional depth but that is not likely. If they believe he could rush the passer and be effective in pass coverage, maybe they look to add him as an OLB.

The Cardinals have a very young, talented defensive line but they could still use a little bit of help. If they believe he can play five-technique he may be pursued by Arizona, but they likely would not be able to give up enough to satisfy the Giants.

It would be very unlikely if the Cardinals offered anything other than a fourth-round pick for Umenyiora, thus making this trade highly unlikely.

Atlanta Falcons

It is no secret that the Atlanta Falcons struggled rushing the passer this season as they only recorded 31 sacks in 2010. The biggest problem is that aging John Abraham recorded 13 of those sacks.

If the Falcons were to make a trade for Umenyiora they would boost their defensive line significantly and have two of the premier pass rushing defensive ends in the NFL.

The Falcons pass defense struggled in the playoffs against the Green Bay Packers, so adding a pass rusher to help the secondary may be just what the doctor ordered.

Atlanta was not shy in throwing around draft picks this year, so it will be interesting to see if it is willing to throw some more away for Umenyiora. I think a second-round pick would seal the deal here for the Falcons.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens also run a 3-4 defense and I would expect this marriage to be nearly impossible. The Ravens rarely make a splash with a big trade, unless they get a huge bargain like they did when they acquired Anquan Boldin.

Umenyiora does not seem like much of a fit for the Ravens, so don't expect them to offer anything more than a fifth-round pick, which means there is no chance he lands in Baltimore.

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills will be running a base 3-4 this season and go about six lineman deep with the acquisition of Marcell Dareus on draft day.

They don't have much of a need for Umenyiora and will not be making any calls across the state for a chance to acquire Umenyiora. The Bills will spend this offseason focusing on adding some help at the linebacker position. There is absolutely no chance this deal gets done.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers could use some help across the board, but they likely won't pursue Umenyiora.  The Panthers are in a rebuilding stage and adding a soon-to-be 30-year-old lineman doesn't make much sense, especially for the money it will cost them.

Umenyiora wants to be paid like a top three defensive end and that is not worth it for Carolina, who could use that money to add three to four solid contributors.

If Carolina was dumb enough to get in the running for Umenyiora it would need to give up a second-round pick, which is not a good idea considering that will likely a top 40 overall selection next year.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears would be a terrific fit for Osi Umenyiora. The Bears acquired Julius Peppers last year and they would have a nearly untouchable defensive line if they were able to add Umenyiora. Defensive end is not a major need though for the Bears, so they really should look to spend that money on a big-play receiver rather than another defensive lineman.

However, the Bears have not been afraid to pull the trigger on a big deal in the past, so they may show some interest in creating one of the best pass-rushing lines in football.

If they opt to pursue Umenyiora they would likely look to throw a second -ound pick and a fourth- or fifth-round conditional pick to get the deal done.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals play a base 4-3 defense, but certainly mix in some 3-4 looks, which may make Umenyiora a perfect fit. 

He would fit in well in the 4-3 and would be a great option as a pass rusher out of the 3-4.

The problem for the Bengals is that they are in a bit of a rebuilding mode. While it isn't as bad as the one the Panthers are facing, they still have some issues they need to correct.

With Andy Dalton leading the way for the Bengals, they aren't in much of a position to win right away.  They could still pursue Umenyiora but they wouldn't offer more than a third-round pick.

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are planning on transitioning back to a 4-3 defense this coming season and could certainly use some help on the defensive line. They selected Phil Thomas with their first-round pick, who is expected to come in and clog the middle of the line.

The Browns currently have Jabaal Sheard and Jayme Mitchell starting at defensive end, but Mitchell struggled to see the field last year and needs to learn a whole new system.

Bringing in Umenyiora may be just what the doctor ordered for Browns defensive line. Cleveland is a team on the rise and it may finally have all the pieces in place to start contending for the AFC North in the next few seasons if its young players pan out.

The Browns have a lot of extra draft picks to go around, so why not throw out a second-round pick for a player with the talent of Umenyiora?  Another possibility that Browns may consider is trading Mitchell and a fourth-round pick for Umenyiora, but it remains to be seen whether the Giants would want Mitchell in a trade.

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys love making a splash, but they play a 3-4 defense and it would be a huge surprise if the Cowboys pursued him and if the Giants dealt him to Dallas.

Umenyiora would not be a good fit in Dallas' defense unless it really believed he could fit in as a five-technique on the defensive line.

The only possible trade that could be considered here would be a blockbuster involving Umenyiora and Terence Newman. According to AOL Sporting News, Dallas has been considering cutting Newman when the collective bargaining agreement is settled, but it may be able to trade him if it can find someone willing to take on his contract.

However, I still see this scenario to be extremely unlikely.

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos didn't have much of a pass rush last season and are hoping to improve that with the addition of Von Miller.

The Broncos could still use a bit more help on the defensive line, thus adding Umenyiora to the defensive line would make sense for Denver. 

Denver drastically improved its secondary in this year's draft. Adding some more help up front should help the Broncos to become a well-rounded defense. The Broncos should not shy away sending a second-round pick to the Giants in exchange for the star pass rusher.

Detroit Lions

If there is one team that certainly doesn't need help on the defensive line, it is the Detroit Lions. The Lions defensive line is set to become one of the premier defensive lines in the NFL this year after adding Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley in the previous two drafts.

The Lions have much bigger needs to fill, including adding a top tier cornerback in free agency. Wasting their time and money on Umenyiora would be a huge mistake and one they will not make.

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers plan to let Cullen Jenkins walk so they will certainly be in the market for a free agent defensive end, but they are not playing a 3-4 defense so it is not likely they will pursue Umenyiora. 

Don't expect the Super Bowl champions to gamble on Umenyiora to improve their defensive line. Chances are pretty slim they pursue him and if they did they wouldn't offer anything more than a fourth-round pick.

Sorry, Packers fans, nothing to see here.

Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are another team that is converting to a 3-4 defense this year and will certainly be looking to make a big time splash this offseason.

While I generally rule each team with a 3-4 defense out, the Texans may be the one team that wouldn't mind trying to convert Umenyiora. The Texans already have plans to convert Mario Williams to OLB, so why not have two incredibly athletic pass rushers at OLB?

The Texans would certainly boast a lethal pass rush, but they may have a lot of trouble covering the flats and slot receivers. However, if the Texans attempt to make a splash it wouldn't be surprising to see them offer up a third-round pick for Umenyiora.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are always in search of defensive line help, but their main concern has been at the defensive tackle position rather than defensive end.

Once the lockout is lifted, the primary goal for the Indianapolis Colts will be getting Peyton Manning under contract so they may be too busy to pursue Umenyiora.

The Colts already have Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis at DE so they don't have a need there and likely wouldn't spend the money to get Umenyiora under contract. Mathis and Freeney aren't much older than Umenyiora either so it wouldn't even represent a youth movement.

No chance an offer comes from the Colts.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars couldn't get any pressure on the quarterback last year.  They averaged about a sack per game, if you rule out their six-sack performance against the Cleveland Browns.

Many mock draft gurus had the Jaguars selecting a defensive end or linebacker with their first-round pick, but they instead opted to trade up with the Washington Redskins to select Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert.

The Jaguars will now look to solidify their defensive line once the lockout is lifted. The Jaguars have a lot of youth and potential on the defensive line, but nothing that compares to Osi Umenyiora. 

Umenyiora is a freak of nature that can immediately come in and make a huge impact for the Jags. If there is a team in the NFL that needs Umenyiora it is the Jacksonville Jaguars.

They would be very wise to offer a second- or third-round pick for Umenyiora's services.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are another team that plays a 3-4 that doesn't have much use for Umenyiora. The Chiefs have a lot of young talent in their front seven so there is absolutely no chance they look to add Umenyiora.

The biggest priority for the Chiefs this offseason will be to get Tamba Hali under contract.

If the Chiefs are looking to make a splash this offseason, it won't be with Umenyiora.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are another team that runs a 3-4 defense and doesn't appear to be a team that fits Umenyiora's style of play.

However, the Dolphins are a team that has been trying to make a splash the past few offseasons so it wouldn't be too much of a shock if they pursued Umenyiora.

If Miami were to pursue Umenyiora it likely wouldn't offer more than a third-round pick for the star pass rusher.

Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings will certainly be in need of a defensive end this offseason. They are expected to let Ray Edwards walk and they run a scheme that fits Umenyiora perfectly. 

They have two stud DTs and Jared Allen already, though, so it remains to be seen whether or not they need another defensive end.

However, the Vikings are always looking to make a splash, so Umenyiora makes sense for Minnesota. It remains to be seen whether or not it would give up more than a third-round pick for him, but Minnesota may be one of the premier destinations for Umenyiora.

New England Patriots

The pass rush of the New England Patriots struggled down the stretch last season, but they run a 3-4 and Umenyiora does not fit their scheme at all. 

The Patriots prefer team players and Umenyiora has proven to be anything but that after his eruption under Bill Sheridan.

New England has been willing to take some gambles though in the past, as evident by its acquisition of Randy Moss, but only if the price is right. That price would be a fourth-round pick and it is unlikely that the Giants part ways with Umenyiora for a fourth.

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints definitely need some help at defensive end and have been more than willing to make a splash in the past.  The biggest hold up for the Saints is that they gave up a first-round pick in next year's draft to acquire Mark Ingram.

Will the Saints be willing to part ways with their second-round pick next year to acquire Umenyiora? Most likely not, but if they do they will certainly be one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl.

The Saints could offer a third-round pick and Junior Galette to make the deal happen.

New York Jets

The New York Jets also run a 3-4 but head coach Rex Ryan loves to bring in big name players.

However, the Jets should not consider trading for Umenyiora as they are already in serious cap trouble and need to resign both Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes.

If the Jets were to make a serious offer for Umenyiora I would expect it to be a fourth-round pick at best, which would not bring Umenyiora to the other team that plays in the New Meadowlands.

Oakland Raiders

If there is any team in the NFL that is impossible to predict it is the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders traded a first-round pick for Richard Seymour a few years ago and it would be no surprise to see them make a splash by acquiring Umenyiora.

If they were to pursue him, they would definitely give up a second-round pick for him and it wouldn't be a shock to see them give up a second-round pick and a conditional pick.

With Al Davis at the helm it is impossible to predict what the Raiders will do.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles would be a fit for Osi Umenyiora but the Giants would not give him to the Eagles unless they went way overboard, much like the Redskins did with Donovan McNabb last year.

The Giants and Eagles don't like each other and after the DeSean Jackson punt return last year, I don't expect the Giants to help them out too much.

If the Eagles get stupid and offer a first-round pick, though, anything can happen.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers also run a 3-4 defense and already have a dominant front seven. There is absolutely no chance the Steelers do anything stupid and pursue Umenyiora.

The Steelers are not a team that looks to make a big-time signing or overspend on free agents so they will not be in the running for Umenyiora. 

They are a Super Bowl-caliber team that will bring in players that fit their scheme and have a winning mindset. If you can expect a big move out of the Steelers this offseason it could be them parting ways with James Harrison.

San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers play a 3-4 defense and have had a very consistent defense over the past few seasons.

There is no chance they will pull the trigger on Umenyiora as they have a bigger focus on retaining some of their own free agents, such as Vincent Jackson.

The Chargers have not been big spenders in free agency over the past few seasons and prefer to rely on bringing in role players, so they won't offer much more than a mid- to late-round pick for Umenyiora.

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers have a new head coach and it would be highly unlikely that they look to acquire Umenyiora once the lockout ends.

They 49ers are a 3-4 team and do not have the personnel to switch over to a 4-3 at this point. They will remain playing the 3-4 for now, and Umenyiora does not make much sense for them. They currently need more help on the offensive side of the ball than they do on defense, so they have no reason to offer more than a mid-round pick.

Seattle Seahawks

According to ESPN Seattle, the Seattle Seahawks and Osi Umenyiora could be a match made in heaven. The Seahawks are expected to let 33-year old Raheem Brock walk, thus they will have a huge need to fill at DE.

Umenyiora would give the Seahawks the premier pass rushing threat they need so he should definitely be at the top of their wish list.

If there is a team willing to give up the second-round pick the Giants will want, it will be the Seahawks.  This is a team that seemingly gave up more for Charlie Whitehurst than the Redskins gave up for Donovan McNabb, so it wouldn't be shocking if they overpaid for Umenyiora.

St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams are the darkhorse team that could acquire Osi Umenyiora. They could certainly use one more DE and are in the process of building a premier defensive line.

What makes the probability of Umenyiora heading to St. Louis increase is head coach Steve Spagnuolo.  Spagnuolo was the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants when they defeated the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl and is very familiar with Umenyiora.

Spags knows exactly what he will get out of Umenyiora and is familiar with his style of play. He would be an amazing asset for this team, but the Rams aren't a team that has been known to overpay for players so they may not give up a second-round pick for Umenyiora.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Raheem Morris know the importance of having a terrific defensive line and the value of pass rushers.

They have been looking to bolster their defensive line this offseason but they already did that via the NFL draft.

They selected linemen with their first two selections, one of them being Da'Quan Bowers, who was once considered to be in the running for the No. 1 overall pick.

Tampa may still look to acquire Umenyiora, but it would be surprising if it gave up more than a mid-round pick. Now if the Giants called and said they wanted Bowers, the Bucs would likely jump at the occasion, but don't get too excited, Bucs fans.

Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans are all about their pass rushers, but they prefer to groom their own from within.  While Umenyiora would likely thrive in Tennessee's defense, they have not been known to pursue lineman from other teams.

The Titans generally develop lineman on their own and prefer to run a rotation to keep their lineman fresh. They don't need a star pass rusher, they prefer well-rounded pass rushers that buy into the team concept.

If Tennessee did want to make an offer for Umenyiora it wouldn't come close to New York's asking price.

Washington Redskins

The Redskins recently switched to a 3-4 defense but have a lot of holes in the front seven. However, Umenyiora makes no sense, and I doubt the Redskins will be stupid enough to trade with a division rival after the Donovan McNabb fiasco.

The Giants likely wouldn't want to see Umenyiora charging Eli Manning twice a year either, so that without a doubt rules the Redskins out of the running.