Report: John Abraham likely to enter open market

John Abraham leads all active NFL players with sacks now that Jason Taylor has retired and his services will likely be available on the open market.

Abraham’s agent Rich Rosa told NFL.com that he expects Abraham to become a free agent based on discussions that have taken place with the Atlanta Falcons.

Abraham has been a fixture up front for the Falcons for six seasons and he’s recorded 58 ½ of his 112 career sacks for Atlanta after coming over from the New York Jets. While Abraham doesn’t receive quite the fanfare some of the other pass rushers do, he’s been a consistent performer but he’s now 33.

The Falcons have to consider what they are going to do with other defensive starters Curtis Lofton, the middle linebacker, and cornerback Brent Grimes. Those are younger starters. Of course, the Falcons have to also ensure they have a quality pass rush and they’d have to find a way to replace Abraham.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune