Neither defensive end John Abraham nor running back Michael Turner are ready to retire, despite remaining unsigned since being released by the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. The National Football Post reports that both players are holding out for contracts they deem suitable, though they would also prefer to be with a new team by the time training camps begin.
John Abraham, Michael Turner not ready to retire
John Abraham and Michael Turner reportedly aren’t ready to retire, despite remaining unsigned since their release from the Falcons.
Kevin C. Cox
Abraham has arguably been the hotter commodity of the two. He has visited with several teams since his release, but his contractual demands have reportedly been too steep for organizations. Abraham entered negotiations with the Tennessee Titans in May, but talks have stalled and it is unclear when or if they will be rekindled. Abraham recorded 10 sacks last year -- his seventh season with double-digit sacks in 13 career seasons -- but at 35 years old, teams may be put off by his advancing age.
News of Turner’s free agent courtship has been much quieter. At 30 years old, Turner has far exceeded the expected shelf life for an NFL running back, and his production has been in steady decline. Last year, he averaged a career-low 3.6 yards per carry on 222 carries, making him the second-most overvalued member of the Falcons last season per Pro Football Focus. Though he has been durable, Turner has a lot of wear on his legs with 1,639 career carries.
As veteran players, Abraham and Turner have produced much, and may have more patience than younger players when it comes to holding out for the right situation. Their window is closing fast if they hope to be a part of a team’s plans to start training camp, however. Otherwise, Abraham and Turner could join a team in the midst of the season when players inevitably start going down with injuries, but there is no guarantee that their phones will ring first when teams are looking for help.
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