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.