John Abraham is not helping his cause of trying to play in 2013. The veteran defensive end continues to come close to signing with a team and backs off due to contract size. The free agent market has not been kind to aging players, but Abraham refuses to back down. After being in negotiations with the Tennessee Titans for weeks, talks have halted due to Abraham demanding more money.
The main strike against Abraham is Dwight Freeney. Both defensive ends are around the same age with similar skill sets and stats. Freeney signed with the San Diego Chargers, but only after the team's starting defensive end Melvin Ingraham went down with a potential season-ending injury. Freeney's contract size is what is killing Abraham. He signed a two-year, $8.75 million deal.
Abraham's contract is likely being dictated by what Freeney signed. He has been vocal about wanting a multi-year deal, ideally in the ballpark of $8 million per year. He has shown almost zero flexibility when it comes to contract talks, leaving his options extremely limited.
Even at 35, Abraham has still been a rather productive player. In 2012, he was primarily a pass rusher, recording 10 sacks and six forced fumbles. Abraham was not an every-down player for the Atlanta Falcons, but he is insisting on getting paid like one. If he intends on signing with a team before training camp, he will have to settle for less money.
If Abraham's attitude has left a sour taste in the Tennessee Titan's mouths, he still may have a few options of places he could go. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could take a serious look at the defensive end. One of their biggest roster is a who will be the primary pass rusher off the edge. The team has loads of cap space room, meaning they could sign Abraham to a deal more favorable to his requests.
The New England Patriots were also heavily interested in Abraham for a period of time during the start of free agency. As the teams begin mandatory minicamps and they see holes in the roster and position needs, they could reconsider Abraham as an option.
Abraham will not accept being designated to a part-time role player. He refuses to take any deal smaller than what Freeney signed for. His options are extremely limited and it will be up to Abraham if he intends on playing next season.