The New York Jets designated DE John Abraham as their franchise player with a 1-year deal worth $6.7M.
The franchise tag, the average of the salary for the NFL's top five defensive ends, allows the Jets to get two first-round draft choices for Abraham if he signs with another team. They also could negotiate a long-term deal with him or trade him -- some reports have Minnesota interested in obtaining Abraham for WR Randy Moss, who is on the market.
Abraham was second on the Jets with 9 1/2 sacks last season despite missing the team's final four games with a knee injury. He was voted to the Pro Bowl although the injury kept him out of the game.