Agent: Abraham will be in Falcons camp

By D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

When the Falcons take the field to start training camp on Aug. 1, defensive end John Abraham will be right there.

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.

Abraham is the most accomplished player on a defense that has to replace five starters. He set the franchise record with 16.5 sacks and was named second-team All-Pro last season.

“Absolutely, the bottom line is that Arthur Blank brought John Abraham in to do what he’s been doing,” Rosa said. “He’s been leading that defense. To go out and have 16.5 sacks and not make the Pro Bowl was absurd. But here, the guy has been a staple. He’s ready to go. He’s so happy to be on that team.”

Abraham’s lack of full participation in the offseason program fueled some of the speculation over his contract. Several teams let veteran players work at their own pace in the offseason.

“When you get to level that John is at, you let your thoroughbreds rest,” Rosa said. “There is no reason for John Abraham to be running around in those [Organized Training Activities], risking injury. They need John in September when the season starts. That’s the smart thing to do.”

Last season, Abraham was reunited with defensive line coach Ray Hamilton, whom he started his career with the New York Jets. Rosa said Abraham enjoys playing for Hamilton.

“John’s like a machine,” Rosa said. “Like that fine tuned Bentley. You need to put it in the garage for a little bit, then you get it revved up and ready to go later on.”

The Falcons have had talks about extending the contract of Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White. They signed wide receiver White and defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux to extensions last season.

Of course, if the Falcons wanted to extend Abraham’s contract or sweeten it a bit, Rosa would be open to that move.

“At the end of the day, John puts up the numbers, you’ve got to run with it,” Rosa said. “That’s something I’m always thinking about. But there will be no hold out. John will be in there ready to go.”