EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants continued their assault on their own free agents Thursday, reaching an unofficial deal with defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka as training camp nears.
Another Giants defensive lineman, Osi Umenyiora, might be a different story.
Kiwanuka, a six-year veteran who played in only three games in 2010 due to a herniated disc in his neck, received medical clearance to return to football-related activities in February.
The former first-round selection out of Boston College has 222 tackles and 23.5 sacks in five years with the Giants.
Fellow defensive end Justin Tuck posted on his Twitter account that the deal with his friend Kiwanuka had been secured: “Kiwi is returning to the big blue. Yes, sir.”
Kiwanuka is the team’s most versatile defensive player, having seen time both at defensive end and outside linebacker. Kiwanuka is expected to be in attendance when the Giants officially open training camp Friday.
Umenyiora, on the other hand, might not. The veteran, who has had an off-and-on relationship with coach Tom Coughlin through the years, appears as if he’ll hold out if he does not receive a renegotiated contract with a significant salary upgrade.
Giants agree to terms with Kiwanuka as camp nears
