Tuck expects Umenyiora to hold out
New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora (72) heads for the locker room after pre-game practice before a game against the Dallas Cowboys. (December 6, 2009) Credit: John Dunn
Add Justin Tuck to the list of people who aren't expecting to see Osi Umenyiora when Giants training camp opens Friday.
The defensive captain and close friend of Umenyiora's said Wednesday that unless there is a productive meeting between Giants management and the disgruntled defensive end -- and there is none planned -- then Umenyiora will be a holdout.
Umenyiora has two years remaining on his contract with the Giants, but this spring he gave an affidavit that in 2008 general manager Jerry Reese promised him that if he had two productive seasons he would either get a new contract or be traded to a team that would give him one. The Giants appear unlikely to budge on a new deal, and with Umenyiora refusing to show up they may be forced to trade him.
"Hopefully we can get him to kind of calm down and be the Giant that I know he can be," Tuck said. "But again, he's going to have to do what's best for him . . . I'll wish him luck in anything that he does, but I'll be pushing to get him back in blue."
Giants hook Baas
A day after shaking up their offensive line by informing veterans Rich Seubert and Shaun O'Hara as well as Shawn Andrews that they will be released, the Giants started adding replacements. The team reportedly agreed to terms with free-agent lineman David Baas, who played both center and guard for the 49ers. Baas, 29, cannot sign with the Giants until Friday and cannot practice with the team until late next week.
Giant steps
After attempting to restructure his contract and lower his salary, the Giants could not reach an agreement with DT Rocky Bernard and will release him this afternoon, according to league sources . . . Free- agent DT Barry Cofield has agreed to a six-year, $36-million deal with the Redskins. Cofield was a five-year starter for the Giants and likely will be replaced by either Linval Joseph or rookie Marvin Austin, the team's last two second-round draft picks . . . Eli Manning said that signing WR Steve Smith is important for the Giants' offense. "He's been a great receiver for us," he said. "I hope he comes back to the Giants. I hope he gets healthy soon and will be able to play football."
With AP
