denverdan Posted April 8, 2005 Share Posted April 8, 2005 http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/story/297739p-254912c.html Source: Jets fielding offers for Abraham BY RICH CIMINI DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER Locked in a contract dispute with John Abraham - an impasse that shows signs of turning ugly - the Jets are willing to listen to trade offers for their star pass rusher, an NFL source told the Daily News yesterday. This represents a shift for the Jets. A few days after the season, GM Terry Bradway said, "John is going to be here." But the landscape has changed. Abraham, slapped with the "franchise" tag, is believed to be seeking about $20 million in guarantees and he recently expressed frustration through his agents about the lack of progress in negotiations. He's not participating in the Jets' offseason program, which began Monday. The Jets aren't actively shopping Abraham, the source said, but the difference between "shopping" and "listening" can be a matter of semantics. Abraham's status will add intrigue to the draft, which begins April 23. Abraham, 26, is a three-time Pro Bowl selection, but his lack of durability is a concern. According to Abraham's camp, the Jets never made an offer before March 16, when a four-month negotiating blackout between teams and their franchise players went into effect. The Jets, perhaps wary of a long-term commitment, seem intent on having Abraham play next season on a one-year contract for the amount of his franchise tender ($6.7million) - unless they're blown away by a trade offer. One of Abraham's agents, Rich Rosa, said he wasn't surprised to hear the Jets are being open-minded to the prospect of a trade. "They're just conducting business," said Rosa, adding that Abraham's preference is to remain with the Jets. "They'd be foolish not to see what's out there. Hey, maybe they could get what they want (by acquiring extra picks) and John could go to a place that would give him a long-term contract. We have no problem with them sending out feelers. Frankly, we're doing the same." Rosa said there has been "minimal" contact with other teams. The Jets don't comment on trade speculation. For a trade to happen, Abraham would have to work out a long-term contract with a team, and that team would have to satisfy the Jets' compensation demands. They almost certainly would insist on a first-round pick in return. The most likely suitors are the Cowboys and Vikings. Both need an outside pass rusher, both have two first-round picks, both have about $9 million in salary-cap room and both have former Jets coaches - Dallas coach Bill Parcells and Minnesota defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell. The Cowboys have two prime bargaining chips (the 11th and 20th picks), although owner Jerry Jones said this week that he's more apt to stockpile picks instead of trading them away. The Vikings own the seventh and 18th selections. It's not known whether the Jets have received any formal offers. While other franchise players have signed their one-year tenders, Abraham has balked, maintaining his free-agent status. Without a contract, he's not permitted to participate in the offseason program. According to his agents, Abraham is at home in South Carolina, working out with a trainer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bird_1972 Posted April 8, 2005 Share Posted April 8, 2005 Ha! Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGS_DADDY Posted April 8, 2005 Share Posted April 8, 2005 Gardner and next years 4th. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfbovey Posted April 8, 2005 Share Posted April 8, 2005 Originally posted by BIGGS_DADDY Gardner and next years 4th. Even if the Jets were stupid enough to take that trade, the Redskins wouldn't have the salary cap space to sign Abraham to a new deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bird_1972 Posted April 8, 2005 Share Posted April 8, 2005 Originally posted by BIGGS_DADDY Gardner and next years 4th. As if we aren't having enough trouble with Moss/Taylor, you want to bring on another guy with questionable work ethic who could become a problem? Good thing you don't work in the FO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLusby Posted April 8, 2005 Share Posted April 8, 2005 I am surprised that the Jets don't call us. We can sign him for big bucks and give them next year's 1st, and then he can become unhappy and get him back in two years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlobberKnockinFootball Posted April 8, 2005 Share Posted April 8, 2005 No thanks, just take either Merriman or Rolle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohioskinfan Posted April 8, 2005 Share Posted April 8, 2005 He is an upgrade, no matter how you slice and dice it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny Montana Posted April 8, 2005 Share Posted April 8, 2005 Pass on this guy. Regardless, we don't have the money to pay him. And do we really want ALL of the Jets injury prone players? Santana Moss and his gimpy hammys should be enough. :doh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FS36 Posted April 8, 2005 Share Posted April 8, 2005 Originally posted by TLusby I am surprised that the Jets don't call us. We can sign him for big bucks and give them next year's 1st, and then he can become unhappy and get him back in two years. A lot of people seem to forget the whole salary cap thing when they talk about getting a guy in FA, or trading for a guy. What kind of money is the player going to demand? How much space do we have? Squat. Do we need to sign a first roud draft pick? Yes. How much does that usually cost? 1-3 million in cap space that year. I'm sure the Jets understand our situation more than any other team considering we had that whole coles, moss debaucle with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hauss Posted April 8, 2005 Share Posted April 8, 2005 The guy weighs 256 and everyone complains about Merriman's size. Pass on him--for several reasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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