Franchise tag likely for DE Abraham

[1niksder]

Franchise tag likely for DE Abraham
BY KEN BERGER
STAFF WRITER

January 18, 2005


Herman Edwards gave a passionate defense of John Abraham yesterday as indications grew stronger that the Jets have decided to place the franchise tag on their top defensive player.

Abraham has said he would be fine with receiving the tag, which would mean he'd sign a one-year deal for about $7 million with both sides keeping open the possibility of negotiating a long-term deal.

Edwards declined to address Abraham's contract status, and Abraham's agent, Tony Agnone, also wouldn't comment. But it is believed that the team already has decided to place the franchise tag on the defensive end, who had 9 1/2 sacks in 12 games before spraining the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee Dec. 5.

He missed the last four regular-season games and both playoff games, becoming a target for criticism from those who alleged Abraham was milking the injury to protect his chances of landing a big contract.

"He was doing everything in his power to come back and help us win, and he wasn't physically able to do that," Edwards said.

Edwards said with certainty, "John will be a Jet," but he declined to elaborate. General manager Terry Bradway will address the media today.

"This guy has come [180] degrees," Edwards said. "He's done everything he could to be a team guy."


Rest of the Jets article
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/ ... orts-print

[hailskins666]

good for the wets. maybe he can quit on them before the playoffs next year too.