Osi Umenyiora: How Long Can New York Giants Hold onto Disgruntled Defensive End?

According to Mike Tanier of The New York Times, New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora continued to sit out practice on Monday, choosing instead to ride the stationary bike in the team's indoor practice facility.

If you don't know already, here's the current situation: Umenyiora is unhappy with his current contract with the Giants, and would like a new one-year deal that would give him more incentives and the opportunity to become a free agent at the end of the season, according to ESPN's Mike Mazzeo.

Although many in and around Giants camp have voiced their lack of optimism pertaining to a new deal getting done, Tanier mentions there could be a break in the standoff shortly. Furthermore, according to Tanier, New York Giants owner John Mara told a Newark newspaper that he believes Umenyiora will remain in New York.

Although Mara did not specifically mention what the possible incentives could be, he did make it clear that the Giants' front office is working on it.

"We're already talking to his agent to do something incentive-wise with his contract to make him happy," said Mara.

But how much damage has already been done?

Umenyiora, 29, has been receiving treatment on his injured left knee at Giants camp when not on the stationary bike, according to Tanier, and there is little question that the Giants can create a deal to keep Umenyiora in the Big Apple. But at what cost to the team?

Umenyiora's approach to his contract situation makes the Giants look like suckers, and head coach Tom Coughlin's patience seems to be wearing thin.

The sack master is nearly 30 years old and has more than likely already played his best football.

Umenyiora's numbers haven't fallen off just yet; he piled up 11.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles in 2010, hence his desire to cash in on last season's accomplishments before another devastating knee injury derails him. The question is: when will they?

The NFL moves too quickly, on and off the field, to let one player halt the progress of an entire team or franchise. Umenyiora wants incentives. If those incentives are reasonable and providing them makes your defense three or four wins better this season, then make it happen.

Otherwise, ship Umenyiora off to Cincinnati or Buffalo in exchange for a future draft pick, and everyone wins.

Production is everything in the NFL, but age is a close second.

Umenyiora's future contributions to New York, specifically those he can bring in 2011 since he wants to become a free agent at season's end, will be far less critical than the money spent to put a smile on his face.

He wants to go. Don't let him; send him.

Patrick Clarke is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Follow on Twitter @_Pat_Clarke