<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Sources: Falcons pursuing deal to land Jets' AbrahamBy Len Pasquarelli and Chris MortensenESPN.comATLANTA -- The Atlanta Falcons are working hard to assemble the appropriate pieces of a trade package intended to lure prized defensive end John Abraham from the New York Jets, ESPN and ESPN.com have confirmed through league sources.John AbrahamDefensive EndNew York JetsProfile2005 SEASON STATISTICSTot Ast Solo FF Sack Int58 44 14 6 11 0One significant road bump to a deal that, despite ongoing efforts from both sides, remains a long shot: The Falcons steadfastly refuse to include two-year veteran quarterback Matt Schaub, the player Jets officials regard as the centerpiece to any deal, in their trade proposals.It is believed the Jets are seeking Schaub and the Falcons' second-round draft pick for Abraham.Without the inclusion of Schaub, the backup to Michael Vick and a youngster whose r?sum? includes just two regular-season starts, the swap might never be consummated. But Atlanta in particular continues to pursue it and hopes to craft a package that might attract the Jets, but without having to surrender Schaub or the Falcons' first-round draft choice, the 15th overall selection in the lottery."There have been discussions, as in plural, but I don't know that it will happen," said one team official. "But [the two teams]are still plugging away."That said, neither club seems prepared yet to end the talks, in part because the Falcons covet Abraham and because New York is determined to trade the veteran end, designated by the Jets as their franchise player for a second consecutive year.Despite the speculation that the Jets will use the fourth overall pick on April 29 to choose one of the three highly regarded quarterback prospects in the 2006 draft, New York has apparently targeted Schaub as the young passer it really wants to land. The Jets recently restructured the contract of starting quarterback Chad Pennington to keep from having to release him for cap reasons. But uncertainty still surrounds Pennington, who had surgery in October to repair a torn right rotator cuff, his second such procedure in eight months.Because of the Pennington situation, the Jets are seeking a younger player, one with starting potential.A third-round draft choice in 2004, Schaub is highly regarded around the NFL and by Atlanta officials. The former University of Virginia standout has played in 11 games in two seasons, two of them starts, and has completed 66 of 134 attempts for 825 yards, with five touchdown passes, four interceptions and a passer rating of 68.8.Schaub, 24, lost both his starts. But in a 31-28 loss to New England last Oct. 9 at the Georgia Dome, he threw for 298 yards and three touchdowns in an impressive outing. The defensive coordinator for New England in that game was Eric Mangini, who is the Jets' new head coach, and who obviously liked what he saw of Schaub that day.Falcons officials are reluctant to part with Schaub for at least two reasons: First, they consider him a quality player and an eventual starter in the league. Second, team officials realize that Vick's derring-do style will always make him susceptible to injuries, and that Atlanta needs a solid backup capable of possibly starting a few games every season. The Falcons consider Schaub ideal for that role."We like [Schaub] and he plays a very important position," Falcons team president Rich McKay told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution earlier this week. "From our position, what it would take [to surrender Schaub in a trade] would have to be very strong."That said, the Falcons would love to land Abraham, a high-energy defender who is viewed as one of the NFL's premier outside pass rushers. And whether New York deals Abraham to Atlanta or some other club, it's clear the six-year veteran will not be back with the Jets in 2006.Abraham visited with Washington officials over the weekend and was set to be in Seattle for a Wednesday visit. It was announced last week that Abraham would meet with four teams, and Atlanta is believed to be among them.The Jets last month 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 the offseason programs and training camp before signing the one-year deal, worth $6.66 million just days before the start of the season.Abraham has been saying for two years that he prefers a long-term contract but the two sides have not been able to strike a satisfactory deal. Any team that trades for Abraham will have to first reach agreement with him on a long-term contract. The Falcons have some history in trading for franchise players, having acquired franchise wide receiver Peerless Price from Buffalo in 2003 after reaching a long-term accord that included a $10 million signing bonus.The Falcons also have a history in dealing with Abraham's agent, Tony Agnone, who represents Atlanta standout left defensive end Patrick Kerney. Teaming Kerney and Abraham would give the Falcons a terrific defensive end tandem.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, a three-time Pro Bowl performer, 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, 10? sacks, six forced fumbles, one recovery and two passes defensed. For his career, the former South Carolina star has 328 tackles, 53? sacks, 18 forced fumbles, five recoveries and eight pass deflections in 73 games.Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. ESPN's Chris Mortensen is a regular contributor to Insider. He chats every Wednesday in The Show.</div>http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2368971
With Vicks injury problems, Falcons would need somebody else to come if they ship Schaub off. I think the Jets should just do it for a 2nd and Harrington instead.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Combs @ Mar 16 2006, 01:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>With Vicks injury problems, Falcons would need somebody else to come if they ship Schaub off. I think the Jets should just do it for a 2nd and Harrington instead. </div>lol. Sorry man but I dont think Harrington has any trade value with a bloated contract and 'bust' written all over him. As for the Falcons backup QB...2 likely choices would be Michael's brother Marcus Vick in the draft or his cousin Aaron Brooks via Free Agency.
Well then can restructure his deal before the trade, whih sometimes happens if he wants to leave. If he doesn't want to restructure so his contract is trade friendly..we will simply hang onto him till June when nobody needs a QB.And I believe the Jets and KC are both interested in Joey..and with a 2nd rounder, i think the Jets may bite.But this is a Falcons thread so i won't cog it with anymore Lions talk .
I heard them talking about this on ESPN yesterday, if I was you I'd be PUMPED Derek cuz Shaub is NOT a shabby player and he should NOT be a backup. When I first saw this guy I really thought he had the potential to be something.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (El Yeahhh @ Mar 16 2006, 04:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I heard them talking about this on ESPN yesterday, if I was you I'd be PUMPED Derek cuz Shaub is NOT a shabby player and he should NOT be a backup. When I first saw this guy I really thought he had the potential to be something.</div>Wen I saw him play last year he looked pretty crappy for the most part. I'm not sold on him in the least bit. What exactly about him do you like?
I donno the thing that impressed me most was when he stepped in for Vick in that New England game, he had a lot of TD's and a lot of yards, close to 300, I was kinda amazed cuz not many backups can step in and play so well. he also did very well in college if I'm not mistaken.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (El Yeahhh @ Mar 16 2006, 01:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I heard them talking about this on ESPN yesterday, if I was you I'd be PUMPED Derek cuz Shaub is NOT a shabby player and he should NOT be a backup. When I first saw this guy I really thought he had the potential to be something.</div>I like Schaub's size (6-5), the fact that he has had 2 years of pro-level coaching. I like that in College he was coached by Al Groh, who is a member of the Parcells/Belicheck/Mangini tree.I like that last year he looked very impressive in his games against the Patriots (18-34, 290 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT, 112 Rating) and Carolina (9-13, 110 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT, 120 Rating). Im just having a hard time being sold on him after just a couple games.Most importantly though, obtaining Schaub would free up our #4 pick so that we dont have to select a QB and can go for the best player available (Maybe his former College teammate D'Brickashaw Ferguson, or a play maker like Vernon Davis).
That guy definately deserve to play somewhere else, i just dont want John Abraham to be in a Falcons uniforms, thats just me. I hope he can maybe be traded somewhere in AFC.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Mar 16 2006, 04:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I like that last year he looked very impressive in his games against the Patriots (18-34, 290 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT, 112 Rating) and Carolina (9-13, 110 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT, 120 Rating).</div>See, he's clutch, he's done his job--stepping up when called upon, now he's ready to move on to the next level
i would rather geta 2nd first rounder, and no backup QB...we can draft a QB and Pennington can be the backup
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nebkreb @ Mar 16 2006, 04:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>i would rather geta 2nd first rounder, and no backup QB...we can draft a QB and Pennington can be the backup</div>The plan would be for Schaub to start, or at least be in a competition with Pennington. Might be another Brett Favre going from the Falcons to the Packers...or Matt Hasselbeck who went from the Packers to the Seahawks, or Steve Young started his career with the Bucs and went to the 49ers via trade. Well see....
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Mar 16 2006, 07:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nebkreb @ Mar 16 2006, 04:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>i would rather geta 2nd first rounder, and no backup QB...we can draft a QB and Pennington can be the backup</div>The plan would be for Schaub to start, or at least be in a competition with Pennington. Might be another Brett Favre going from the Falcons to the Packers...or Matt Hasselbeck who went from the Packers to the Seahawks, or Steve Young started his career with the Bucs and went to the 49ers via trade. Well see....</div>The thing is he lacks starting experience so he would be like a rookie playing out there not to mention he would have to make an adjustment to a new system. Sure he has potential but thats what Speilman and Wanny saw in AJ Feeley then agian they were retards. I think its a bigger risk for the Jets, yiou would have to give up a pick and a killer DE for a QB that is an unproven starter, you guys are better off drafting a QB or getting Ramsey.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Abraham visits FalconsContract terms reportedly in worksBy STEVE WYCHEThe Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionPublished on: 03/16/06Top Falcons officials met and dined with New York Jets defensive end John Abraham in Atlanta Thursday, trying to work out contract terms to acquire the three-time Pro Bowler, team officials confirmed.Personnel officials also spent much of the day working out details on a deal to secure former Pro Bowl safety Lawyer Milloy. Milloy, a 10-year veteran who spent much of his career with New England before playing the past three in Buffalo, visited the Falcons Monday and was offered a three-year contract.Milloy met with Seahawks officials in Seattle Wednesday ? as did Abraham.The Falcons have targeted both players to address weak spots in a defense the team feels must be upgraded in order to improve on last season's 8-8, non-playoff finish. If acquired, both players would step into the starting lineup and be asked to bolster a unit that includes three Pro Bowlers ? Rod Coleman, Keith Brooking and DeAngelo Hall.Though Milloy may have other suitors, the Falcons have to jump through fewer hoops to get him in uniform. An unrestricted free agent, Milloy can sign where he pleases.Abraham, who has 53 1/2 sacks in his six-year career, and the Falcons must first agree on a contract then arrange a trade with the Jets. New York put the franchise tag on Abraham, meaning he can't sign with another team without the Jets receiving compensation. He could also play for New York under a new contract or on a one-year deal for an $8.3 million tender.The Jets and Abraham have expressed their mutual desire to part ways.New York wants Falcons backup quarterback Matt Schaub. Atlanta won't part with him. Draft picks might do, but the Falcons don't want to trade their first-round selection ? the No. 15 overall pick.</div>John Abraham visits the Falcons on Wednesday.....they try to play hardball with us so Abraham visits the Seahawks in Seattle this morning....and now hes back in Atlanta...methinks Schaub is going to be the Jets next QB soon...although it might be Schaub and a third rounder for Abraham....well see.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (The Punisher @ Mar 16 2006, 06:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Matt Schaub is good enough to start over Pennington.</div>I like Pennington, but hes never healthy....I think this deal is going to happen and Matt Schaub would likely be our starting Quarterback next season....a good late round choice for those in Fantasy leagues too if we can get some weapons around him.
Matt Schaub isn't unreplaceable. I can think of more than one quarterback that's suited for Vick than Schaub. One of them is Jeff Garcia. He is a veteran quarterback, and that's what Vick needs in his career to show him the steps a little better than Ty Detmer has. Detmer will probably retire. (I hope he quarterback coaches! )Jeff Garcia is a free agent? Right?Anyways...Abraham's a little over rated. I don't care about his swagger. We've got plenty of that in Atlanta.I just hope he comes to play.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jzrith @ Mar 16 2006, 06:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Matt Schaub isn't unreplaceable. I can think of more than one quarterback that's suited for Vick than Schaub. One of them is Jeff Garcia. He is a veteran quarterback, and that's what Vick needs in his career to show him the steps a little better than Ty Detmer has. Detmer will probably retire. (I hope he quarterback coaches! )Jeff Garcia is a free agent? Right?Anyways...Abraham's a little over rated. I don't care about his swagger. We've got plenty of that in Atlanta.I just hope he comes to play.</div>Garcia signed with the Eagles today...but theres still Aaron Brooks (Vick's cousin), Gus Fereotte, Kerry Collins, Patrick Ramsey (via trade) available or you could draft someone like Marcus Vick in the draft.
