NFL Rumors: Could New England Land Osi Umenyiora in a Trade with the Giants?

The on-going theme with the New England Patriots defense is their inability to put up a consistent pass rush and get to the quarterback.

The Patriots failed to acquire any sudden-impact pass-rushers in this year's draft despite the draft class being loaded with pass rushers. The Pats have only made a move to bolster their defensive front by acquiring Albert Haynesworth—definitely a dominant interior linemen, but not the guy that will be racking up 10 plus sacks a year.

However, there is one player that has become available and New England could be a strong player to acquire his services via trade.

Patrick McHugh of NESN.com speculates in a recent column that the Patriots may be potential suitors for the disgruntled Osi Umenyiora in a potential trade with the New York Giants:

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With the speed at which NFL transactions have taken place over the last few days, it is impossible to get a read on what will happen with Umenyiora in New York. The Giants could very well settle their differences with the rusher and have him report to camp by next week. If Umenyiora is on the way out, however, the team in Foxboro could use a guy who has 60 sacks and 28 forced fumbles in seven seasons.

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The 29-year-old Umenyiora tallied up an impressive 12 sacks for the Giants last season as he's accumulated 10 or more sacks in three of his seven years in the NFL. 

If New England wishes to make a run at acquiring Umenyiora, there is simply just one obstacle: the Giants are demanding a first-round draft pick.

By taking a look at New England's future draft picks, the Patriots have two first-rounders in 2012 and have one in 2013. Bill Belichick could possibly spare one of the two in '12, but Umenyiora is simply not worth a first-round draft choice.

Over the course of Belichick's reign in New England, he has has never shipped away a first-rounder—meaning Belichick definitely places a very large value on them.

As Belichick will likely be not interested in coughing up a first-rounder, is there really any team out there that would?

Sure, a handful of teams could use the presence of Umenyiora's pass rushing abilities, but I'm not too sure a team will be willing to hand over a first-round draft pick—that's simply too steep a price.

If New England does engage in trade talks with the Giants, they do have pieces to work with, including two second-rounders and one third-rounder in 2012.

As of right now, there is a minuscule chance of Umenyiora becoming a member of the Patriots with the demands of a first-rounder; and Umenyiora's rather large contract with two-years and $7.1 million remaining could also be an obstacle.

However, keep in mind that Umenyiora has spent his entire career in New York's 4-3 defense as a defense end and New England has been running a lot more variances of the 4-3 defensive alignment rather than their traditional 3-4 alignment—so acquiring Umenyiora could strike gold for New England. 

I wouldn't be surprised if Belichick is interested in the talents of Umenyiora, as he's exactly what New England needs. However, with the demands set so high, I find it very unlikely for the Patriots to make a deal with a first-round draft pick involved. 

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