Giants may want Strahan back

The New York Giants are interested in luring Michael Strahan out of retirement after losing Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora to a season-ending knee injury Saturday night.

The Super Bowl champions contacted the representative for the seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end on Monday to gauge Strahan's interest in returning for a 16th season.

"They want to see if there is any interest there," agent Tony Agnone said. "I have to talk to Michael."

Strahan is on vacation in Greece. Agnone said he has not talked to him about the Giants' inquiry.

Agnone described the Giants' call as a courtesy — for now — and noted the two sides did no negotiating.

"Part of the talk was about Osi," said Agnone, who also represents Umenyiora.

Strahan turned down a $6 million contract offer in the offseason. He then signed with Fox Sports to work on its NFL pregame show.

With Strahan's status uncertain, the Giants shuffled their defense Monday and moved Mathias Kiwanuka back to end from his strongside linebacker spot.

PENNINGTON TO START: Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano couldn't help but have a little fun Monday when he finally announced the winner of the team's drawn-out quarterback competition.

"It's Chad," he said, chuckling.

Chad Pennington or Chad Henne?

"Pennington," he added. "I think the guy will do a great job of managing our team. And the team has responded really well to him, and that's where we are going."

The announcement officially sets up an intriguing Week 1 matchup in Miami against the New York Jets, the team that cut Pennington to clear salary cap space for Brett Favre.

Pennington was the face of the Jets the past eight seasons and arrived in camp this year competing with Kellen Clemens for the starting job. The Jets released Pennington more than two weeks ago when they acquired Favre from Green Bay.

Pennington, who learned of the decision after practice Monday afternoon, was only made available to speak to the media before the announcement. But he released a statement through the team.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to lead this team," Pennington said. "We've worked extremely hard over the last two weeks, and I'm proud to be a Miami Dolphin."

The decision was hardly surprising.