While the world, or fans at least, waits for the St. Louis Rams to choose a backup running back, another, potentially more exciting trade rumor surfaced today. According to the New York Daily News, the Rams are one of five teams sniffing around on disgruntled defensive end Osi Umenyiora. Other interested teams include the Chargers, Seahawks, Broncos and Ravens.
A first-round pick was the first reported price tag for Umenyiora. Speculation quickly walked that back to a second-round pick. The reality of it is that the Osi dance is probably nothing more than an elaborate ruse to get a contract extension, which is what Umenyiora wanted all along. Today's report indicates that the Giants may even be able to pry a second-round pick along with a later round pick from a team.
According to some, keep an eye on the Rams.
A few sources believe the team to watch in this is the Rams, where the obvious tie is their coach - former Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. He knows what Umenyiora can do and how to use him, he knows Umenyiora will gladly play for him, and the Rams reportedly have plenty of cap room to spend.
Is it possible? Sure. We know from Spagnuolo's days with the Giants, he had no problems stockpiling pass rushers like Minuteman missiles. The year the Giants won the Super Bowl, they had a rotation comprised of Osi, Justin Tuck, Michael Strahan, and Mathias Kiwanuka.
Umenyiora would join a group led by Chris Long and featuring James Hall and Robert Quinn. Spaguolo believes firmly in the idea that pass rushing wins championships, that having been the key to upsetting the undefeated Patriots and the great Tom Brady to chance destiny and earn a Super Bowl ring. (Hopefully, this isn't a sign of concern about Robert Quinn's knee).
Temper your expectations. Like I said, this is probably nothing more than an elaborate way to get a pricey new deal. However, the Rams have been active in sniffing around some of the bigger names in free agency this year, even if they haven't ultimately pulled the trigger.
Then again, if you read the NYDN article, Osi seems pretty determined not to play for the Giants again, but NFL players have been known to bluster even so slightly in the past.
Be sure to follow us on Twitter for even more free agent and trade talk. The Rams said earlier they have some announcements on tap for today.