3 Free Agent Pass-Rushers Who Could Replace Osi Umenyiora for New York Giants

Osi Umenyiora has once again used an offseason to bemoan his lack of playing time and promote the idea of a trade. If the New York Giants finally decide to cash in there are three veteran free agents who could appeal as replacements.

The Giants surprisingly neglected to add a pass-rusher in the draft, despite the loss of Dave Tollefson and the ongoing saga of Umenyiora's future. However, these veterans represent would great value, given Big Blue's limited cap space:

Andre Carter, New England Patriots

Andre Carter is coming off a double-digit sack season and still has enough quickness and expertise to be a factor as a nickel pass-rusher. Carter thrived in his return to a 4-3 defense with the New England Patriots, after being badly misused by the Washington Redskins in 2010.

The soon to be 33-year-old has registered 10 or more sacks in three of his last five seasons and has the length and off the snap speed to dominate the edge. Carter ended the season on injured-reserve, following a quad injury and would need to prove his fitness.

However, prior to his injury, Carter was one of the few standout performers on the Patriots' shaky defense. He terrorised the New York Jets in Week 10, notching four sacks and has enough left to be very productive in a situational role.

Matt Roth, Jacksonville Jaguars

Matt Roth is familiar with multiple defensive schemes, having played for former Bill Belichick assistants Eric Mangini and Rob Ryan with the Cleveland Browns. Roth spent 2011 with the Jacksonville Jaguars and also offers experience in a 4-3 front.

The 29-year-old is the kind of hybrid edge-rusher the G-Men like to feature. Roth has spent time at both linebacker and defensive end and his versatility would be useful in some of Perry Fewell's sub-packages.

What counts against the 6'4" 275 pounder, is a lack of dynamic athletic ability and elite production. Roth is a solid technician and tough, hustling player, but should never be expected to post eye-popping statistics.

James Hall, St. Louis Rams

Greybeard pass-rusher James Hall would be a useful under-the-radar pickup for the G-Men. He may be 35, but Hall remains productive, having registered 27.5 sacks in the last four seasons.

A thickly-built defensive end, Hall plays with exceptional leverage and smart hands technique. He became a key player in former Big Blue defensive guru Steve Spagnuolo's fire zone schemes.

Hall is familiar with zone drops and even moved inside to tackle in certain fronts for the Rams. He would fit well in the Giants' multiple front alignments and could register some healthy numbers as a nickel pass-rusher.

Conclusion

As talented as pass-rusher as Umenyiora is, the Giants' hierarchy may feel now is the best time to consent to his demands. He will be a free agent next year and Big Blue will miss the chance of getting something for him now.

Umenyiora's possible departure would leave the Giants short at the defensive end position. Starters Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck would only really have hybrid players like Mathias Kiwanuka and maybe Clint Sintim available in the rotation.

The players on this list are proven veterans with the flexibility and rush skills to be productive in the Giants' system. Their cost would be minimal and their presence would allow Kiwanuka to stay at linebacker and give Jerry Reese ample time to find the next young stars at the position.