Osi Umenyiora visits Atlanta Falcons

Finally some news on the Falcons front. Defensive end Osi Umenyiora made his first visit in free agency Thursday spending the day in Atlanta, according to Mike Garafolo of USA Today.

Umenyiora, 31, is currently sitting on 75 total sacks for his nine-year career. His career-high of 14.5 sacks came back in 2005, and while he's not in the prime of his career at this point, he can still fill a vital role on the Falcons defensive line.

Garafolo said there was no word on a signing yet, but choosing the Falcons as his first visit is an optimistic sign. The market hasn't been kind to veteran pass rushers. With Umenyiora, Dwight Freeney, John Abraham and Elvis Dumervil all looking for work, there isn't exactly a disparity here. There is a shortage of pass rushing talent on the Falcons defensive line, though.

Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com also reports the Dolphins have contacted Umenyiora, because who haven't the Dolphins contacted in free agency?

Pandemonium rages on in Atlanta regarding the lack of free agency news. While fans lamented the loss of Abraham, everyone continues to pray for a replacement pass rusher. You can finally take solace in the fact that the Falcons are actively seeking to fill Abe's position.

Umenyiora would be a good fit in Atlanta and would seem to indicate the team is staying with a 4-3 defense. Considering Cliff Avril received a two-year, $13 million deal in Seattle, the age of big paydays for Umenyiora are long gone. Thomas Dimitroff waited long enough for the market to pan out. Now he can get a defensive end at the right price.

The Falcons still need help on the line even if Umenyiora signs. They're heading in the right direction, though. Thoughts on his visit?