Dolphins, Lions interested in Osi Umenyiora

It’s been a quiet free agency period for DE Osi Umenyiora. But apparently, there is interest in the former Giants defensive end.

USA TODAY Sports reports the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions are among some of the teams interested in Umenyiora’s services, though Mike Garafolo points out the market has not been kind to defensive ends thus far.

The top two defensive ends this year — Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril — earned $5 million and $13 million, respectively. Rotoworld suggests Umenyiora may have to settle for a deal about $4 million.

Avril’s former team, the Lions, need to the fill a void along the defensive line. The team signed Jason Jones, formerly of Seattle, earlier in the off-season, but he plays mostly on the interior of the defensive line.

The Dolphins, one of the more active teams in free agency this year, have looked to bolster their defense this off-season. The team inked linebackers Phillip Wheel and Dannell Ellerbee to deals, but did not address D-line.

Along with Umenyiora, veteran free agents include John Abraham and Dwight Freeney are in similar situations. The addition of Elvis Dumervil to the free-agent pool is also something to consider.

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