The Atlanta Falcons reportedly are making a strong push to bring free-agent defensive end Osi Umenyiora into the fold before the end of the weekend.
General manager Thomas Dimitroff shouldn't have to do much convincing. Umenyiora made it clear in a Friday radio interview on WZGC-FM in Atlanta that his preference is to join the Falcons.
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"There was nothing better than to be able to win (in New York)," Umenyiora said, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "The only thing I can think of that would be better than being able to win in New York would be to be able to win here in Atlanta. We'll see how that plays out. Hopefully, it works out in a positive direction."
Umenyiora resides in Atlanta during the offseason, and it certainly sounds like he was pandering to the hometown fans in the radio spot.
After making the short drive to Falcons headquarters Wednesday, Umenyiora described the visit as "very good." He believes the "sky is the limit" for the team in 2013. "From afar, I've never seen a team that has this much talent," added Umenyiora.
The Falcons need a proven pass rusher after losing John Abraham. This almost makes too much sense not to happen at this point. The holdup might be super agent Tom Condon, who appears to be concentrating on finding former Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil a home before moving on to Umenyiora and ex-Indianapolis Colts linebacker Dwight Freeney.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling
