The 2006 John Abraham transaction was a three-team deal with…
The 2006 John Abraham transaction was a three-team deal with Denver supplying the pick New York used on Nick Mangold. Atlanta landed Abraham plus Denver's third-rounder and a 2007 fourth, while Denver received the Falcons' No. 15 choice. Both New York and Atlanta converted the exchange into long-term star value, with Mangold's decade at center giving the Jets a narrow historical edge.
New York Jets Received
- pick 2006 first-round pick, No. 29 overall, used on Nick Mangold
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player John Abraham
- pick 2006 third-round pick, No. 93 overall, supplied by Denver
- pick 2007 fourth-round pick, No. 121 overall, supplied by Denver
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
The March 2006 transaction connected the Jets, Falcons and Broncos. New York sent John Abraham to Atlanta. Denver sent the No. 29 pick to the Jets, and New York used it on center Nick Mangold. Denver also sent the No. 93 pick and a 2007 fourth-round choice to Atlanta. In return, the Falcons sent the No. 15 selection to Denver. The Broncos later used that draft position as part of their move up for quarterback Jay Cutler.
Why New York Was Ready to Move Abraham
Abraham was an elite edge talent, but the Jets were entering a new coaching era and had placed the franchise tag on him. Rather than force a long-term fit, New York converted his value into a late first-round choice. The decision became far more important once Mangold turned into a foundational center and one of the defining Jets of his era.
What Atlanta Bought
The Falcons were not simply chasing a famous name. Abraham was 27 and still in his prime. He became a long-term Atlanta pass-rush centerpiece, recording major sack production across seven seasons and earning multiple Pro Bowl honors during his Falcons tenure. Denver's additional picks also gave Atlanta more flexibility after surrendering No. 15.
Why Denver Was Essential
The deal could not be understood as a straight Abraham-for-Mangold swap. Denver supplied No. 29 to New York and extra choices to Atlanta, then received No. 15. That structure allowed each club to pursue a different roster goal.
How Both Sides Won
Mangold gave the Jets a decade of high-level center play and became one of the league's most decorated players at the position. Abraham gave Atlanta the edge-rushing star it wanted and justified a major price through sustained production. The difference between the grades is therefore small.
Final Verdict
New York gets the narrow edge because Mangold became a franchise-level anchor for ten seasons, but Atlanta's A grade is fully deserved. Abraham's Falcons career made this one of the better examples of a major trade producing real value for both principal teams.