Abraham wants Falcons; Jets say Seahawks

[Paladin]

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/0320falcons.html

Abraham caught in trade triangle
DE wants to play for Falcons, but Jets agree to Seahawks deal
By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/20/06

Defensive end John Abraham is intent on playing for the Falcons, his agent, Tony Agnone, confirmed Sunday. The contract agreement he reached Friday with Atlanta and his word are his bond.

But Abraham might not have the final say.

The New York Jets, who own the three-time Pro Bowl selection's rights, have thwarted Abraham's relocation by treating the Falcons' trade offer of a second-round draft pick as insufficient. Instead, the Jets have agreed to trade him to the Seattle Seahawks for a first-round draft choice, and that decision has left Abraham "not happy," according to Agnone.

In a brief e-mail to the Journal-Constitution, Agnone said there had been no developments in the saga over the weekend. He added that there have been no new contract talks between Abraham and the Seahawks, and that Abraham is intent on suiting up for the Falcons.

Atlanta officials said they would not stop their pursuit of Abraham, who has 53 1/2 career sacks and would bolster a defensive line in dire need of a pass-rushing end from the right side. Whether that means they'll have to sweeten their offer to the Jets remains to be seen.

The remarks from Abraham's agent were the first since his

client was placed in football purgatory Friday afternoon.

The tricky part of this scenario is that for any trade to be consummated, Abraham must come to contract terms with the team for which he would play. At the same time, the Jets have the right to get the best compensation possible, which Seattle has offered — 31st overall selection in the April 29-30 draft. The Falcons' second-rounder is the 47th pick overall.

The sign-and-trade stipulation is a result of the Jets designating Abraham, a free agent, their "franchise player," which means they hold his rights for a season unless he's traded.

New York, which is shifting to a 3-4 scheme that would make Abraham an awkward fit, does not have to trade Abraham and could make him play under a one-year contract worth $8.3 million.

Though things were quiet over the weekend, the Falcons confirm talks are expected to resume as soon as today.

 

[cathead]

The Falcons want to write a good contract to Abraham and short change the Jets. Seattle wants to give the Jets what they want and lower Abraham's contract. Of course that makes the Jets like Seattle and Abe like the Falcons. The Jets have more leverage to block the deal than Abe. Abe's only leverage is to play another year with the Jets or hold out. I vote the Jets will win.

 

[Thelt]

If I am the Jets I make Atlanta give me a first rounder or thrown in Schaub. If they wont do that then Abraham does not go there.

 

[The Brain]

Abraham hasn't said he didn't like the Seahawks. The Article kinda implies that. Admittedly it is an AJC article so it should be a little skewed for Falcon fans, but Abraham has reached an agreement with Atlanta on a contract. That's not saying he couldn't make an agreement with Seattle. Abraham's agent started negotiating with Atlanta LONG before he did with Seattle, because Atlanta was in trade talks with the Jets first.

 

[cathead]

That Abraham likes Atlanta twist is nothing more than Atlanta offered the better contract.

That Jets like Seattle better is nothing more than Seattle give us the 31st pick and the Falcons are offering us a 47th pick and no schaub.

 

[Thelt]

If Atlanta wants him they need to up their offer. If not they need to bow out of the race. No one should expect the Jets to take a lesser offer for him, just to make him happy.

 

[stratocatter]

nice

 

[HAVEPSL]

Broncos | Team acquires No. 15 overall pick in Abraham trade
Tue, 21 Mar 2006 1539 -0800

Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com, reports the New York Jets have traded DE John Abraham to the Atlanta Falcons as part of a three-way trade between the Jets, Falcons and the Denver Broncos. If the trade is approved, then the Falcons will have traded their first-round pick, No. 15 overall, to Denver, who in turn will trade their first-round pick, No. 29 overall, and two additional picks to Atlanta. Atlanta then sends the 29th pick to the Jets for Abraham. The Jets would receive a draft pick two slots higher in the first round than the Seattle Seahawks were able to offer.


Falcons | Abraham acquired in trade
Tue, 21 Mar 2006 1506 -0800

Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com, reports the New York Jets have traded DE John Abraham to the Atlanta Falcons as part of a three-way trade between the Jets, Falcons and the Denver Broncos. If the trade is approved, then the Falcons will have traded their first-round pick, No. 15 overall, to Denver, who in turn will trade their first-round pick, No. 29 overall, and two additional picks to Atlanta. Atlanta then sends the 29th pick to the Jets for Abraham. The Jets would receive a draft pick two slots higher in the first round than the Seattle Seahawks were able to offer.


Jets | Abraham traded in three-team deal
Tue, 21 Mar 2006 1532 -0800

Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com, reports the New York Jets have traded DE John Abraham to the Atlanta Falcons as part of a three-way trade between the Jets, Falcons and the Denver Broncos. If the trade is approved, then the Falcons will have traded their first-round pick, No. 15 overall, to Denver, who in turn will trade their first-round pick, No. 29 overall, and two additional picks to Atlanta. Atlanta then sends the 29th pick to the Jets for Abraham. The Jets would receive a draft pick two slots higher in the first round than the Seattle Seahawks were able to offer.

 

[cathead]

Pretty slick of ole Mckay. The Jet's fans say Abraham is injury prone but that he has gained weight up to 295lbs and they think that was the reason he was able to stay on the field last year.

 

[HAVEPSL]

Falcons | Contract update: J. Abraham
Tue, 21 Mar 2006 1718 -0800

Andrea Adelson, of the Associated Press, reports the contract agreed to with the Atlanta Falcons by DE John Abraham is a six-year, $45 million deal, with about $18 million guaranteed. He will get $15.5 million in reporting and signing bonuses this year. "He's elated," said Abraham's agent, Rich Rosa. "He's very happy; he's got the long-term deal he's always wanted."