Cesar Tordesillas

Free-agent defensive end Osi Umenyiora is expected to sign a deal with the Atlanta Falcons early next week.

According to a ProFootballTalk.com report, Umenyiora will officially join the Falcons Monday "at the latest".

Earlier, the Falcons said they are still discussing the contract details with Umenyiora.

Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the talks between his team and Umenyiora were "fluid and amicable."

"The only thing I can think of that would be better than being able to win in New York would be to be able to win here in Atlanta," Umenyiora earlier told an Atlanta radio station.

The 31-year-old Umenyiora had 43 tackles and six sacks last season for the New York Giants.

In 2010, Umenyiora clashed with Giants general manager Jerry Reese over his desire for a new contract.

A second-round pick of the Giants in 2003, Umenyiora has spent his entire 10-year career with New York.

In 129 career games with the Giants, Umenyiora has 75 sacks and 32 forced fumbles, posting double-digit sacks in 2005, 2007 and 2010.

Umenyiora was named to the Pro Bowl after the 2005 and 2007 seasons, and was a second-team All-Pro in 2010.

The Falcons desperately need a pass-rusher after releasing veteran John Abraham this offseason. Abraham led the Falcons with 10 sacks and had six forced fumbles in 2012.

Free Agent Defensive End Osi Umenyiora to Join Atlanta Falcons - NFL 2013