Atlanta Falcons DE John Abraham happy with new contract, says money wasn't a factor - NFL News
When a player goes into free agency he expects a clamour of teams rushing up to get their signature on a fat new contract although it does not work out that way most of the time.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end, John Abraham, also tried out free agency expecting that he would receive a new deal worth $ 12 million annually.
It did not turn out that way though as the defensive end found no takers and in the end returned to the Falcons after signing a three-year $ 16.25 million deal well below what he expected to make.
The deal includes a $ 2.25 million signing bonus and $ 1.5 million in base salary for the 2012-13 season.
Abraham though talking with the Associated Press said that money was never a factor in his return and there were other reasons for coming back to the Falcons most importantly new defensive coordinator and his first coach in the National Football League (NFL),
Mike Nolan.
The defensive end said after practice that.
"I wanted to be here. Money wasn't really a factor."
He also went on to praise his new coach and said that Nolan was the main reason for him to come back to Atlanta.
“He drafted me. That was one of my main reasons for coming back, also. I know what kind of coach he is. I know what kind of guy he is. They do a great job of bringing people around here who have great character and great character coaches. Me and Mike
have been friends ever since he drafted me in my rookie year until now.”
Nolan also talked to the media about Abraham joining the Falcons and said that he was a good player although having missed most of the offseason he was behind the rest of his teammates in preparation.
“He’s having to ask more questions because he wasn’t here for those classes. But, nonetheless, John is a good player.”
It will be interesting to see how involved Abraham will be during the Falcons 2012-13 regular season campaign.
The defensive end made 35 tackles last season with 9.5 sacks and forced four fumbles.
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