Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora isn't ready to return to action for the Giants, but he did speak to the media on Thursday for the first time since the spring.
Umenyiora, who said he's "close" to returning to practice following Aug. 19 knee surgery, discussed his contract holdout and whether he sees himself in New York longterm.
"I'd like to still be here but I'm no dummy," Umenyiora told the New York Daily News on Thursday. "We'll see."
Unhappy with his contract and dealing with a lingering knee issue, Umenyiora sat out most of training camp for the Giants before eventually undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
Umenyiora's holdout didn't achieve the intended result of a new deal, but the Pro Bowler doesn't regret his decision.
"Sometimes you just got to go for it, even if it doesn't work," he said.
The defensive end, 29, is hoping to receive a raise on the final two years of his current deal. He's currently set to earn $7.1 million in base salary.
Umenyiora remains hopeful the Giants will take care of him.
"Whenever it's time to do the right thing, I think they will."
Umenyiora is a bit of a pain, but he's also an elite pass rusher. The partnership between team and player remains uneasy, and it's unlikely the Giants will alter the deal until they see what kind of player he is post-surgery.