Rich Rosa, Abraham’s agent, disputed a report that Abraham was unhappy with his contract and was considering a holdout. A report surfaced on NFL Network last week that there were “rumblings” of an Abraham holdout. The Falcons, who don’t comment about player contracts, acknowledged that they had not been approached by Abraham’s agent about re-doing his six-year, $45 million contact. “It’s a long offseason and they have to stir the pot,” Rosa said. “We don’t know where that is coming from. There won’t be a holdout. He’ll be there when camp opens.” Abraham was traded to the Falcons in 2006. He’s set to make $5 million in 2009, $6.5 million in 2010 and $8 million in 2011. The pay scale for defensive linemen has ticked upward since he signed his deal. Minnesota’s Jared Allen signed a six-year, $73.26 million deal in 2008 and Washington’s Albert Haynesworth signed a seven-year deal worth $100 million, with more than $41 million in guaranteed in 2009. Oh yeah, I found this from PFW: Although his current deal won't expire until after the 2011 season, there are reports that Falcons DE John Abraham wants to start negotiations on a new contract. Abraham is coming a career-best 16?-sack season, but it's unlikely that the Falcons will seriously consider reworking his contract. He's 31 and has a long history of injuries, which doesn't make for a compelling argument in favor of a new deal.
He'll play for the deal he signed. He doesn't really have any other options, because he's got 3 seasons to run on it and if he doesn't play the Falcons don't pay. Maybe in two years this becomes a hot button issue but for now it's just wishful thinking on his part.
