NY state of mind...

NY Giant turned Atlanta Falcon Osi Umenyiora:photo/ www.ktul.com

Well, sort of. Now instead of New York state of mind, it's hot Atlanta. Welcome to Atlanta again, Osi Umenyiora. Free agent from the NY Football Giants DE Umenyiora was officially signed by the Atlanta Falcons Wednesday night following about a week of speculation that he would sign. Once Umenyiora passed his physical, it wasn't a matter of if he will sign with the Falcons, it was when he would sign. Umenyiora signed a two-year, $8 million salary with $5 million guaranteed. I say welcome to Atlanta again because Umenyiora lives in Atlanta, and it is a short 30-minute drive to Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Ga.

The Falcons shored up one defensive end spot that was vacated when the Falcons released Pro Bowl DE John Abraham earlier in the free agency period due to salary cap implications. This is my take, Abraham will be back to man the other DE spot. The move to release Abraham, to shore up more money, and to sign Umenyiora, means Abraham will be back with lesser pay. Abraham wants to stay in Atlanta. All this was done behind closed doors with each party knowing what was going to happen. Abraham wants a ring, he's not about getting paid a lot of money anymore. And what better to have a 2-time Super Bowl winner in Umenyiora to line up with Abraham. This will happen soon my friends. If it doesn't happen and Abraham signs elsewhere. I will post and admit I was wrong. 

Good moves all around in free agency for the team from the south. 

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Mark A. Kirkley: twitter @makirkley