New England Patriots Rumors: John Abraham wants at least 60% snaps

It’s no secret that free agent defensive end John Abraham, who once received interest from the New England Patriots, wants to receive plenty of playing time next season, and the word on the street was that Abraham wanted to be a full-time starter at defensive end. According to the Denver Post’s’ Jeff Legwold, Abraham told at least one NFL team that he wants to receive at least 60% of the team’s snaps at DE next season, and Legwold wrote that the Broncos and others received “sticker shock” from Abraham.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

I firmly believe that the reason why Abraham didn’t sign with the Patriots or any other team is because of a combination of a bloated asking price and the desire for a heavy workload. Even though he is 35, Abraham is good enough to still be a starter and be very effective, but teams like the Broncos and Patriots don’t really have space for that. The biggest issue, though, is the money, and I believe that Abraham shouldn’t receive significantly more than Dwight Freeney got from the San Diego Chargers. While Abraham is better than Freeney and should get more money, it sounds like Abraham wants far too much.

Following the drafting of Jamie Collins and Michael Buchanan, I stated that the Patriots would not sign either Freeney or Abraham, and I still stand by that on Abraham. Although he is certainly a talented player, the Patriots are going younger at the defensive end position and on defense as a whole. They aren’t going to pay Abraham what he wants, and I don’t even think they would be willing to give Abraham the playing time he wants.

Listen, Chandler Jones is headed for a breakout year either next season or in 2014, and Rob Ninkovich is still going to get heavy snaps on the other side of him. Signing Abraham would greatly aid the pass rush and eat into Ninko’s snaps, thereby creating a great, balanced duo there, but the Patriots have so much depth at DE. Abraham isn’t going to New England, unless if he is willing to take a major pay cut and decrease his role to play for the Pats. The whole “contender” argument is incredibly valid with Abraham (it’s why I think he won’t go to a team like the Tennessee Titans, unless if they actually give into his demands), but it’s not specific to just the Patriots. Even if you don’t want to say it, you should admit that the Broncos are on about level footing with the Patriots.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.