THURSDAY, 10:13am: GM Mike Maccagnan told reporters today, including Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (Twitter link), that Umenyiora simply stopped by the Jets’ facility for 10 minutes to say hi to Todd Bowles, and wasn’t in on an official visit.
WEDNESDAY, 7:15pm: Osi Umenyiora made a name for himself in New York, and it’s sounding like the defensive end may be returning to the Big Apple, albeit with a different team. According to Fox Sports’ Mike Garafolo (via Twitter), the 33-year-old was in New Jersey this afternoon to meet with the Jets. It’s uncertain whether the organization extended a contract offer, but the meeting at least indicates that the Jets are interested.
The former second-round pick spent nine seasons with the Giants, earning a pair of appearances on the All-Pro list and, most importantly, a pair of Super Bowl rings. He joined the Falcons on a two-year, $8.55MM in 2013, and the defensive end was productive during his first season in Atlanta. Umenyiora started 13 of 16 games for the Falcons, compiling 31 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and his first career interception. Despite his efforts, he still earned a negative rating from Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Umenyiora settled into more of a reserve roll in 2014, as the veteran failed to start a single regular season game. He still managed to play 347 snaps in 16 games, finishing the season with nine tackles and 2.5 sacks. The former Troy standout apparently settled into his backup role, as PFF ranked him 22nd among 59 4-3 defensive end candidates.
A reunion between Umenyiora and New York sounded like a possibility, but it wasn’t expected to be with the Jets. The veteran had previously expressed interest in finishing his career with the Giants.