The NFL Network has evidently been poking the bear with a stick again. Rich Rosa, John Abraham’s agent, says the star defensive end isn’t sour on his contract and isn’t planning on staging a holdout as previously reported by the network. He said that when Falcons training camp opens in Flowery Branch on August 1, his client will be busy roughing the passer.

The Falcons for their part say they have not be approached by Abraham?s agent about any contract demands. Currently, Abraham has a six-year, $45 contract which stands to pay him $5 million for the 2009 season. In comparison with defensive linemen around the league, Abraham’s compensation package is starting to look shrimpy with Jared Allen’s six-year deal with Minnesota for $73 million not to mention the eye-popping sum Albert Haynesworth scored with Washington this offseason (seven-years, $100 million). Its enough to make you think Dan Snyder has more money than sense.

Since joining the team in 2005, Abraham has become one of the most accomplished leaders on the Falcons’ defense, racking up a franchise record 16.5 sacks and being named second-team All-Pro last season. John Abraham’s absence from OTAs may have fueled some of these holdout rumors, but skipping these non-mandatory workouts has become commonplace among veterans who prefer to work at their own pace.

The Falcons have been active in contract extensions with Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White after the gaudy numbers he put up during the 08 season. Rosa says he’d definitely be listening should the Falcons come to him about enhancing Abraham’s contract, but it isn’t something that they are actively pursuing on their part

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