Osi Umenyiora is only expected to play 25-35 snaps per game this season.

Umenyiora played 46.5 snaps per game last season. He's 32 years old now, but that's not nearly as big of a concern as the Falcons' switch to a 3-4 base. Umenyiora has been a 4-3 defensive end throughout his career and has no experience as an outside linebacker. Still, the Falcons kept him around at a $3.5 million base salary to be their DPR (designated pass rusher), so they're expecting him to get to the quarterback. Umenyiora has slimmed down to 250 pounds as he prepares for the transition.

ESPN Falcons reporter Vaughn McClure confirms the team "will have more of a 3-4 look" on defense this season.

"Believe that," McClure emphasizes. The Falcons signed a number of 3-4 defensive linemen in free agency, and drafted multiple players who best fit "odd-man fronts." 2013 sack leader Osi Umenyiora is 32 and has no experience as a 3-4 outside linebacker. He's too small to play 3-4 end. McClure suggests Osi will be a "strictly designated pass rusher," or likely a nickel rusher. Ultimately, we don't see Atlanta finishing as a top-half-of-the-league defense. They have some pieces but lack a difference-making pass rusher.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the Falcons will retain Osi Umenyiora for the 2014 season.

There had been reports Umenyiora would either have to restructure or be released, but those reports were unfounded. Umenyiora was productive his first year in Atlanta, notching 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception despite being limited to a situational pass-rusher after the Falcons fell out of contention. He will likely continue that situational role in 2014.

The Star-Ledger reports a reunion of Osi Umenyiora and the Giants is a possibility if the veteran pass-rusher is cut by the Falcons.

Umenyiora could be cut if he is unwilling to take the pay cut the Falcons are reportedly after. The Giants are looking to get younger along the defensive front, but Osi would be a relatively inexpensive addition and provide a veteran presence along the line. Umenyiora was productive his first year in Atlanta, notching 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception.

FOX's Mike Garafolo reports the Falcons want Osi Umenyiora to take a pay cut.

Umenyiora is due a reasonable $3.5 million between salary and bonuses, but will turn 33 in November. He was productive his first year in Atlanta, notching 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception. He played 744 snaps. Umenyiora may be inclined to turn down the Falcons' request and try to hit the open market.

Coach Mike Smith hinted Thursday that the Falcons will not be releasing DE Osi Umenyiora.

Falcons RE Osi Umenyiora wants to be back with the team in 2014 and believes he will return.

"I would love to stay, and I think I am," Umenyiora said. "But you really never know what's going to happen." Umenyiora led the Falcons with 7.5 sacks last season but is clearly in his decline phase. Atlanta could save $3.5 million against the cap by releasing him. However, the Falcons are in dire need of pass rushers and can't afford to part with their best one at the moment.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution expects the Falcons to retain RE Osi Umenyiora for 2014.

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff simply isn't in a position where he can afford to part with semi-productive pass rushers, even if doing so on Osi would save $3.5 million versus the cap. Clearly in decline, 32-year-old Umenyiora managed 7.5 sacks across 16 games in 2013. Pro Football Focus gave him negative grades as a pass rusher, though Umenyiora was largely an asset in run defense.

Falcons RE Osi Umenyiora didn't start in last week's win over the Redskins and may play in a reserve role the final two weeks of the season.

The 4-10 Falcons have been trying to get looks at younger players. Umenyiora started the first 13 games of the season, but second-year DE Jonathan Massaquoi got the start Sunday. Umenyiora leads the team with his 7.5 sacks. But on a two-year deal as a 32-year-old, Umenyiora may be one-and-done in Atlanta.

Falcons RE Osi Umenyiora has been dabbling as a stand-up edge rusher in training camp.

"Never really done that before, but in a situation like this where it's something that I might have to do, I just have to work," Umenyiora said. "I don't know if I'm going to do it during an actual game or not, but it's cool to come out here, get a feel for it and see if I can do it." DC Mike Nolan stood John Abraham up a lot last season, but Osi doesn't possess the same explosion as Abraham.

Falcons signed DE Osi Umenyiora, formerly of the Giants, to a two-year contract.

Finally. This has been in the works for almost a week now, and it was just a matter of time before it was made official. The Dolphins were rumored to be sniffing around Umenyiora a little bit, but it never materialized to anything. Umenyiora, 31, brings some much needed juice to Atlanta's pass rush, but he essentially just replaces John Abraham. GM Thomas Dimitroff still needs to be on the lookout for more edge rushers. At this point, Umenyiora and Kroy Biermann are the starters at defensive end for the Falcons. Osi recorded 43 tackles and six sacks last season.

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff confirmed Monday that the team is in contract negotiations with free agent DE Osi Umenyiora.

It's just a matter of time before the deal is finalized. "Our discussions are fluid and amicable," said Dimitroff. On Sunday, the Ravens agreed to terms with Elvis Dumervil on a five-year, $26 million contract with another $9 million possible in incentives. Umenyiora figures to receive slightly less than that. He's 2 1/2 years older than Dumervil and not as productive.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, it appears to be a "foregone conclusion" that free agent Osi Umenyiora will sign with the Falcons.

It's what PFT reported on Saturday, and what remains the case 48 hours later. The sides are probably just putting the finishing touches on what will likely be an incentive-laden contract. Although he's three and a half years younger, Umenyiora may not be sizable upgrade on John Abraham at this stage in their respective careers.

A source with knowledge of the situation tells Profootballtalk free agent Osi Umenyiora will sign with the Falcons.

"Atlanta is the place," the source said. Per PFT, the deal is expected to be finalized on Sunday or Monday. Umenyiora will replace John Abraham in Atlanta. At age 31, Abraham is 3 1/2 years younger than Abraham, though not quite as explosive off the edge. Umenyiora is capable of playing more snaps at this stage of their respective careers. We still expect Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff to prioritize defensive end in April's draft.

Free agent DE Osi Umenyiora expressed his desire to play for the Falcons.

"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," Umenyiora said. "We'll see how that plays out. Hopefully, it works out in a positive direction." The 31-year-old makes his offseason home in Atlanta, and he visited the team on Wednesday. ESPN's Adam Schefter previously reported that the Falcons would like to get a deal done with Umenyiora this weekend.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Falcons are making a "strong push" to sign free agent Osi Umenyiora.

If forced to guess right now, we'd project Osi to Atlanta, Elvis Dumervil to Baltimore, Dwight Freeney to Denver, and John Abraham to New England. Per Schefter, the Falcons are trying to wrap up a Umenyiora deal "before the end of the weekend." Umenyiora is 3 1/2 years younger than Abraham. He'd likely replace Abraham at right defensive end, with Kroy Biermann on the left side.

Free agent Osi Umenyiora visited the Falcons on Wednesday.

It's Umenyiora's first trip, though the Miami Herald reported Wednesday the Dolphins have spent "considerable time" looking into the soon-to-be former Giant. Umenyiora is coming off an uninspiring campaign and on the wrong side of 30, but the Falcons desperately need to add some pass-rushing firepower.

The Miami Herald reports the Dolphins have spent "considerable time" studying free agent Osi Umenyiora and called his reps about the possibility of signing.

Umenyiora would make sense for the Fins because he's a right-side pass rusher and Cam Wake is most effective at left end. Per the Herald, fellow free agent Elvis Dumervil is not on the "frontburner" and the Dolphins have determined John Abraham is "not a fit" for them. Reporter Armando Salguero expects the Dolphins to use a draft pick or free-agent signing to supplement their pass rush. If they go the latter route, it sounds like Umenyiora would be most likely.

MLive.com reports the Lions' supposed interest in free agent Osi Umenyiora is "probably not true."

GM Martin Mayhew says the team is no longer pursuing anymore premier free agents. Mayhew added that the Lions could look into re-signing free agent DE Lawrence Jackson, but they'd likely hold off until after the draft to do so. Taking a pass rusher with the No. 5 overall pick is a real possibility for the Lions.

Per USA Today's Mike Garafolo, the Lions and Dolphins have expressed interest in free agent Osi Umenyiora.

This is our first Umenyiora news blurb in nine days, which suggests either that league-wide interest in him is light or he's simply asking for far too much money. Osi needs to check his expectations because the defensive end market has produced far weaker contracts than players like Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett expected. Umenyiora may have to wind up settling for about $4 million a year.