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Jets: Abraham is 'fine' if they place tag on him
Thursday, December 02, 2004
BY DAVE HUTCHINSON
Star-Ledger Staff
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Defensive end John Abraham, an unrestricted free agent after the season, says he wants to stay with the Jets. And if that means being designated the franchise player next year with the hopes a multiyear deal can be hammered out, so be it.
By designating him as the franchise player, the Jets can stall Abraham's free agency for a year and force him to accept a salary computed according to a formula in the collective bargaining agreement. Franchise players are paid the average of the top five highest-paid players at their position. Next season, for a defensive end, that would be roughly $7 million.
"I'm fine with getting franchised," Abraham told The Star- Ledger yesterday. "I think the reason I may get franchised is more for money issues. I don't think it's because they don't like me or they want to put me in a bad predicament. I think it's because they're trying to work out a long-term deal that's going to help everybody.
"I'm not going to come in here and moan and say, 'Get me done,' because that's not going to help either side or make anything happen any faster. I've kind of run everything through my head, so I'm ready to handle any situation. I'll be proud to be a Jet for another year. I love being here. I love being with (coach) Herm (Edwards). I love this franchise."
When a team slaps the franchise tag on a player, it usually signals an impasse in contract negotiations. Unable to get the big-money contract, many players become frustrated when the team blocks the avenue to free agency. Things can get ugly: There often are verbal shots exchanged through the media, a last-minute arrival at training camp or a holdout, and some skipped off-season workouts, too.
But Abraham says there will be none of that. He knows the Jets are in a money squeeze. On Monday, they announced the signing of Pro Bowl defensive end Shaun Ellis to a six-year extension that included $15.5 million in guaranteed money. In September, quarterback Chad Pennington was signed to a seven-year, $64 million contract that included $23 million in guaranteed money.
Abraham, in the final year of a five-year, $7.55 million contract, is second in the NFL with 9 1/2 sacks and is likely on his way to his third Pro Bowl. In his prime at 26, he would command top dollar on the open market. He could get more than the $16 million in guaranteed money the Eagles gave defensive end Jevon Kearse last off-season, the most guaranteed money given a defensive end.
This past off-season, the Jets balked at an extension for Abraham because of his off-the-field problems. Last October, he had a DUI arrest and was benched for a game. This summer, it was revealed he had tested positive for a high alcohol level in his urine, which would have been a violation of the league's substance abuse program. Abraham has appealed the matter that could result in a $342,000 fine but not a suspension.
"I kind of knew what the consequences were going to be," Abraham said. "I kind of knew coming into the season that Shaun and Chad were going to get signed first. I knew I was kind of going to be last. It's nothing mind-boggling. This season I think I've played well. I think I'm playing up to the potential they want me to."
Abraham, who is close friends with Ellis, said the signing of his pal won't impact Abraham's decision to remain with the Jets.
"Personally, I wanted to stay regardless," Abraham said. "I'm just happy for Shaun. I think he definitely deserved what he got."
Though the Jets are expected to have plenty of room under the 2005 salary cap, Abraham's deal could be a cap-buster if it's not structured correctly. In addition, the club has several other key unrestricted free agents -- nose tackle Jason Ferguson, right tackle Kareem McKenzie, running back LaMont Jordan and tight end Anthony Becht.
Abraham said he is willing to accept the franchise tag, in part, because it might help the team sign other players. Ferguson, 30, is having a career year but hasn't been approached with an offer, and it may be difficult for the Jets to re-sign him.
Abraham, Ellis, Ferguson and second-year pro Dewayne Robertson make up the Jets' starting defensive line, which has sparked the defense's rise to seventh in the NFL.
"I really want us to stay together," Abraham said. "I think it's integral to our long-term success as a defense. I really think the D-line is our strongest unit. I kind of came into the season knowing it would be tough to keep us all together, so nothing that happens will surprise me. And even if I get the franchise tag, I'll make more in one year than I've made since I've been in the NFL."
http://www.nj.com/jets/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1101967898311030.xml
Thursday, December 02, 2004
BY DAVE HUTCHINSON
Star-Ledger Staff
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Defensive end John Abraham, an unrestricted free agent after the season, says he wants to stay with the Jets. And if that means being designated the franchise player next year with the hopes a multiyear deal can be hammered out, so be it.
By designating him as the franchise player, the Jets can stall Abraham's free agency for a year and force him to accept a salary computed according to a formula in the collective bargaining agreement. Franchise players are paid the average of the top five highest-paid players at their position. Next season, for a defensive end, that would be roughly $7 million.
"I'm fine with getting franchised," Abraham told The Star- Ledger yesterday. "I think the reason I may get franchised is more for money issues. I don't think it's because they don't like me or they want to put me in a bad predicament. I think it's because they're trying to work out a long-term deal that's going to help everybody.
"I'm not going to come in here and moan and say, 'Get me done,' because that's not going to help either side or make anything happen any faster. I've kind of run everything through my head, so I'm ready to handle any situation. I'll be proud to be a Jet for another year. I love being here. I love being with (coach) Herm (Edwards). I love this franchise."
When a team slaps the franchise tag on a player, it usually signals an impasse in contract negotiations. Unable to get the big-money contract, many players become frustrated when the team blocks the avenue to free agency. Things can get ugly: There often are verbal shots exchanged through the media, a last-minute arrival at training camp or a holdout, and some skipped off-season workouts, too.
But Abraham says there will be none of that. He knows the Jets are in a money squeeze. On Monday, they announced the signing of Pro Bowl defensive end Shaun Ellis to a six-year extension that included $15.5 million in guaranteed money. In September, quarterback Chad Pennington was signed to a seven-year, $64 million contract that included $23 million in guaranteed money.
Abraham, in the final year of a five-year, $7.55 million contract, is second in the NFL with 9 1/2 sacks and is likely on his way to his third Pro Bowl. In his prime at 26, he would command top dollar on the open market. He could get more than the $16 million in guaranteed money the Eagles gave defensive end Jevon Kearse last off-season, the most guaranteed money given a defensive end.
This past off-season, the Jets balked at an extension for Abraham because of his off-the-field problems. Last October, he had a DUI arrest and was benched for a game. This summer, it was revealed he had tested positive for a high alcohol level in his urine, which would have been a violation of the league's substance abuse program. Abraham has appealed the matter that could result in a $342,000 fine but not a suspension.
"I kind of knew what the consequences were going to be," Abraham said. "I kind of knew coming into the season that Shaun and Chad were going to get signed first. I knew I was kind of going to be last. It's nothing mind-boggling. This season I think I've played well. I think I'm playing up to the potential they want me to."
Abraham, who is close friends with Ellis, said the signing of his pal won't impact Abraham's decision to remain with the Jets.
"Personally, I wanted to stay regardless," Abraham said. "I'm just happy for Shaun. I think he definitely deserved what he got."
Though the Jets are expected to have plenty of room under the 2005 salary cap, Abraham's deal could be a cap-buster if it's not structured correctly. In addition, the club has several other key unrestricted free agents -- nose tackle Jason Ferguson, right tackle Kareem McKenzie, running back LaMont Jordan and tight end Anthony Becht.
Abraham said he is willing to accept the franchise tag, in part, because it might help the team sign other players. Ferguson, 30, is having a career year but hasn't been approached with an offer, and it may be difficult for the Jets to re-sign him.
Abraham, Ellis, Ferguson and second-year pro Dewayne Robertson make up the Jets' starting defensive line, which has sparked the defense's rise to seventh in the NFL.
"I really want us to stay together," Abraham said. "I think it's integral to our long-term success as a defense. I really think the D-line is our strongest unit. I kind of came into the season knowing it would be tough to keep us all together, so nothing that happens will surprise me. And even if I get the franchise tag, I'll make more in one year than I've made since I've been in the NFL."
http://www.nj.com/jets/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1101967898311030.xml