2006 Free Agent Tracker - Defense

[PhillyGirl]

Sources say Jets talking Abraham deals at combine
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

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."

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 taterskins 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 taterskins 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 taterskins 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, 10½ sacks, six forced fumbles, one recovery and two passes defensed. For his career, the former South Carolina star has 328 tackles, 53½ sacks, 18 forced fumbles, five recoveries and eight pass deflections in 73 games. Players of his ilk don't often become available in the league, but the relationship between Abraham and Jets officials may have reached the point where a trade would be the best scenario for both parties.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

[PhillyPhreak54]

Jets trade John Abraham to Denver for 29th overall pick.

Jets now have #4 and #29.

Jets trade #4 and #29 to Houston for the #1 pick.

[PhillyGirl]

Jets trade John Abraham to Denver for 29th overall pick.

Jets now have #4 and #29.

Jets trade #4 and #29 to Houston for the #1 pick.

Is this hypothetical or did this just happen? 

[PhillyPhanInDC]

No way that happened. That would be teh suk.

[PhillyPhreak54]

Hypothetical...my bad. Didn't mean to make it sound like it went down.

But I could see it playing out like that.

[rjs246]

Jets trade John Abraham to Denver for 29th overall pick.

Jets now have #4 and #29.

Jets trade #4 and #29 to Houston for the #1 pick.

If Danver is willing to do this (which they may since they have two picks in the first round) it would make perfect sense for everyone involved.

Denver gets a huge upgrade at DE and still has a first rounder.
Jets get Bush.
Houston get Ferguson and still has a first rounder to help with the other million holes on their team.

[Mad-Lad]

the jets don't need to trade up to #1.  they'll be able to get a quality QB or D'Brickshaw at #4.  They need to fill a shtein ton of holes now that their cap is jacked.

[The BIGSTUD]

Willie McGinest might get cut. I'd take a look at him if he did. He's very good.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Willie McGinest might get cut. I'd take a look at him if he did. He's very good.

If the Pats don't hold on to him, no way in hell I'd want him.  He's WAAAAYYYYYY past his prime.

[PhillyPhreak54]

Willie McGinest 1996 = good
Willie McGinest 2006 - not so good

[Mad-Lad]

Willie McGinest 1996 = good
Willie McGinest 2006 - not so good

that being said, it's sad he had a better year than the Eagles OLBs considering he's old as crap.

[PhillyPhreak54]

Browns | Roye agrees to terms
Mon, 27 Feb 2006 14:38:07 -0800

Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms on a new contract with DE Orpheus Roye. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but both sides previously had agreed on a three-year contract.

[BigEd76]

Giants | Alexander released
Tue, 28 Feb 2006 09:19:08 -0800

Michael Eisen, of Giants.com, reports the New York Giants have released S Brent Alexander.

Texans | M. Coleman released
Tue, 28 Feb 2006 17:00:36 -0800

HoustonTexans.com reports the Houston Texans have released FS Marcus Coleman from the team.

Texans | Walker to be released
Tue, 28 Feb 2006 21:37:40 -0800

John McClain, of the Houston Chronicle, reports the Houston Texans have informed DT Gary Walker he is being released. Walker hasn't been officially released because of the salary cap. He was told that if the NFL doesn't have a new collective bargaining agreement in place with the NFLPA that he won't be released until June 1. If they extend the CBA, Walker will be released immediately.

[PhillyGirl]

Bills release DT Adams, save $3.5M in cap space
By John Clayton
ESPN.com

The Bills, who entered Wednesday $2 million under the $92 million salary cap, made their second major cut of the offseason by releasing former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sam Adams.

Adams, 32, has been in the NFL for 12 seasons and has been with the Bills since 2003. His release saves the Bills $3.5 million of cap room. He was scheduled to make $3.5 million this season in what was his last season with the Bills.

He signed with Buffalo in 2003 and has been a starter most of his three seasons.

New general manager Marv Levy said the defense struggled last season because of the team's inability to keep defensive tackle Pat Williams the year before. Now, the defense grows even weaker in the middle with the release of Adams.

[Feva]

Haloti Ngata just became a Buffalo Bill.