Jump to content

No surprise- Jets shopping John Abraham


faba

Recommended Posts

Upset at having been tagged as a franchise player for a second straight year, New York Jets defensive end John Abraham told the New York Post over the weekend that he has "overstayed [his] welcome" with the club and that "it's time to move on."

John AbrahamDefensive End

New York Jets

Profile2005 SEASON STATISTICSTotAstSoloFFSackInt5844146110

Team officials apparently agree.

Multiple league sources said that the Jets have been offering Abraham in trade talks during the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, and have discussed potential scenarios with a number of teams. It is believed that the talks have not moved to the substantive stage with any suitors and that a deal is not imminent, but that the Jets' intention remains to deal Abraham, probably for a package of draft choices.

Among the several teams with whom the Jets have spoken in recent days are the Washington Redskins and the Denver Broncos.

In a move that had been anticipated, the Jets last week designated Abraham a franchise player, essentially making him a one-year qualifying offer of $8.33 million, but also severely limiting his mobility in free agency. New York used the franchise tag a year ago, as well, to retain Abraham, and he missed all the offseason programs and training camp before signing the one-year deal, worth $6.66 million just days before the start of the season.

The team's rationale in using the franchise restriction this year, however, seems aimed at trying to fetch something in return for Abraham, who prefers a long-term contract. In a statement, new Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said last week that applying the franchise tag to Abraham "speaks volumes about what type of player we feel he is." That has not kept the Jets, though, from speaking to other teams about the six-year veteran and three-time Pro Bowl performer.

It is not known what the Jets are seeking in return for Abraham, but any trade would certainly have to include a first-round draft choice. Abraham might be able to force the hand of the cap-strapped Jets by signing the qualifying offer, which would guarantee the money. The $8.33 million already counts against the New York cap for 2006, but guaranteeing the money might be a tough swallow for a club facing a major overhaul because of a debilitating cap overage.

Without specifically citing Abraham, Denver defensive coordinator Larry Coyer allowed at the combine that the Broncos hope to add a pass-rusher in the offseason. Despite statistically ranking No. 15 in total defense in 2005, the Broncos were 29th in defense versus the pass, and a big part of that was that Denver generated just 28 sacks, third fewest in the league. No Broncos defender had more than four sacks in 2005.

"I know this about [head coach] Mike Shanahan," said Coyer. "There will be a move."

Washington, which was said to be enamored with Abraham a year ago, also needs a consistent upfield pass-rush threat. Although the Redskins had 35 sacks in 2005, the lack of a pass rusher means that inventive defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has to work that much harder to create sack opportunities. The only Redskins defensive lineman with more than four sacks last season was end Phillip Daniels, but six of his eight sacks came in the final three games, including a four-sack performance.

One problem shared by both Denver and Washington is the state of their respective salary caps. Both teams are squeezed by the spending limit and, like other franchises around the league, are reluctant to make any kind of move until the NFL's collective bargaining issues are resolved. Plus, since he is not under contract, Abraham cannot be dealt until he either signs the one-year qualifying offer or a long-term contract.

Termed by Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel as "head and shoulders" above any pass rusher available this offseason, Abraham certainly is a proven sack man. One of the Jets' four first-round selections in the 2000 draft, Abraham has consistently been among the top pass rushers in the NFL, when healthy. Limited to just 19 appearances in 2003-2004 because of injuries, Abraham played in all 16 games for the Jets in 2005, only the third time in six years he has played a full schedule.

He registered 67 tackles, 10

Link to comment
Share on other sites

the broncos have 2 1st rd picks so i could defnitely see this deal getting done for one of them.

It would make the most sense for Denver (if they can afford the cap hit). It would be like selecting Abraham with a top-5 pick (salary-wise), but only using a bottom first-rounder to select him. Plus, unlike most rookies taken that late, he's an immediate starter with no rookie growing-pains.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It would make the most sense for Denver (if they can afford the cap hit). It would be like selecting Abraham with a top-5 pick (salary-wise), but only using a bottom first-rounder to select him. Plus, unlike most rookies taken that late, he's an immediate starter with no rookie growing-pains.

Playoff pains, but no growing pains;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Jets | Shopping Abraham

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 09:06:07 -0800

Updating ongoing reports, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports the New York Jets, according to multiple league sources, have been offering DE John Abraham, the team's franchise player, in trade talks during the NFL Combine. They have discussed potential scenarios with a number of teams

.

Broncos | Potential landing spot for Abraham?

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 09:06:52 -0800

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports the New York Jets have talked with the Denver Broncos about a potential trade involving DE John Abraham, the Jets' franchise player.

Redskins | Potential landing spot for Abraham?

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 09:06:25 -0800

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports the New York Jets have talked with the Washington Redskins about a potential trade involving DE John Abraham, the Jets' franchise player.

Where does he go?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One thing I do find interesting about the Abraham situation is that if I understand the franchise tag correctly, he can almost play a factor into where he goes. If he doesn't sign the franchise tender or a long-term deal with his future team, then he cannot be traded, if my understanding is correct. So say (heaven forbid) we use him to move up, if he doesn't want to play for the Texans he doesn't have to sign the franchise offer sheet. I am understanding this correctly or am I way off base?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One thing I do find interesting about the Abraham situation is that if I understand the franchise tag correctly, he can almost play a factor into where he goes. If he doesn't sign the franchise tender or a long-term deal with his future team, then he cannot be traded, if my understanding is correct. So say (heaven forbid) we use him to move up, if he doesn't want to play for the Texans he doesn't have to sign the franchise offer sheet. I am understanding this correctly or am I way off base?

Abraham wants to play for any team that has this logo on their helmet: $$$

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you think the Jets are going to get the King's Ransom for John Abraham boy are you in for a surprise. Abraham is a part-time player who specializes in the pass rush. He is injury prone, expensive, without a contract, and at 27 he probably only has 3-4 more good years left. If you think the Jets are going to get a 1st rounder and then some for this guy keep dreaming.

The only team dumb enough to do that trade (Washington) has no 1st round pick to offer us. Maybe Buffalo is dumb enough to do that trade with scenile Marv Levy sinking that ship but I don't think they will.

Any nfl gm who trades a 1st round pick for a guy who takes playoff games off to save his career should be fired on the spot and banned from the league.

Some of you guys probably thought Bradway should have got a 1st or 2nd rounder for Herm Edwards. I'm surprised he even managed to get a 4th round pick for Edwards. KC must have felt sorry for Bradway.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No way Denver wants to trade a first rounder for Abe. Denver's biggest need by far is WR which is why they want TO. If Denver pays anyone big bucks, it's gonna be TO.

Ya, the fact that Denver couldn't generate a pass rush against the Steelers to save their lives is overshadowed by their lack of WR. Quality WR can be found in the later rounds, but a game changing DE like Abe is worth a first rounder, if not more. Denever had 28 sacks as a team last season, 3rd lowest in the NFL. No one on their team had over 4 sacks. But yeah, they'll probably throw tons of money at TO.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...