FLOWERY BRANCH – Former Falcons defensive end John Abraham, who was released by the team last Friday, is on his way to Seattle to visit with the Seahawks.
He wants to continue his career and is expected to take a few more trips.
Abraham could have left during free agency last season, but he signed a three-year, $16.72 million contract to return to the Falcons in March 2012. The Titans and Broncos expressed interest and there was a least one undisclosed NFL team with a more lucrative offer on the table.
Abraham, one of the top defensive ends in the NFL over the past 13 seasons, was selected 13th overall in the first round of the 2000 draft by the New York Jets. One of the game’s premier speed rushers, Abraham has 122 career sacks.
The Falcons acquired Abraham in a trade with the New York Jets in 2006.
Abraham had 68.5 sacks over his seven seasons with the Falcons. He had a career-high of 16.5 sacks in 2008.
Abraham’s cap number was $7.25 million and minus his prorated signing bonus of $1.5 million he saved the Falcons $5.75 million.
Earlier this week, in a statement provided to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Abraham wanted to publicly bid farewell to team, the fans and the city.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Arthur Blank, head coach Mike Smith, (president) Rich McKay, (director of player development) Kevin Winston, (general manager) Thomas Dimitroff, my position coach Ray Hamilton and every staff member for seven great years with the Atlanta Falcons Organization.
“To my teammates over the last seven years in Atlanta; a huge thank you for the great memories, which I will never forget. It was an honor and a privilege to line up on Sundays with each and every one of you during my career in Atlanta.
“Last but not least, I want to thank the fans of Atlanta for their tremendous support ‘Rising Up to Defend the Dome’ and for being the best fans in the NFL! I look forward to playing a few more years in the NFL, but will always be a part of the Atlanta Falcons organization.”
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