PatsFaninME

Brady wants him here so stop talking and bring him here.

DaBruinz

Are you sure that Brady wants him here? After the way he left and basically gave Brady the big FU and basically said that HE (Deion) was more important than Brady...

Prufrock

He will probably end up on IR around the time that Welker is ready to play. I say take a chance as long as it doesn't cost them much.

StraightCashHomey81

I don't understand the bitterness towards Branch. He handled his contract negotation like the Patriots always do, as a business. He was always a class act here and has never said anything bad about the organization since he left. Unlike Samuel, Seymour, and AD, he never made it personal. I would love to see him return.

I've been working on a research project on the Patriots' Belichick-Era approach to the NFL Draft, and I came upon this quote from BB after Day 1 of the 2006 Draft, after he was asked a question about Chad Jackson (gulp), and how his mental development as a collegiate compared to Branch's:

"I think Deion came in at a pretty high level. I think that would be pretty unusual to find anybody at that level. I would say that
was exceptional."

Clearly, BB thought very highly of Deion and obviously so did Brady. If he checks out medically, I think its a no-brainer to bring him back, whether it be through trade or waiting for him to be released.

DaBruinz

BS he did. You clearly don't know what you are talking about. Deion handled it like an A$$CLOWN. During an interview prior to the 2006 draft, Deion lied through his teeth and said he was a man of his word and that he'd play out his contract regardless of his contract status. Then, after the draft, he informed the PRESS, not even the Pats directly, that he'd not be attending any of the OTAs or passing camps or training camp until the issue was resolved. Then, either he or his agent didn't bother to actually respond to any of the Pats contract offers until after the start of TC. That was not bargaining in good faith. That is when he'd issued his trade ultimatum. Not to mention that there were reports of him discussing contract numbers with the Jets prior to getting permission for the trade, which is why the Pats rejected the offer of the Jets 2nd rounder.

One of the biggest issues is that Branch wanted to be treated differently than Brady and Seymour and have the last year of his rookie contract nullified. The Patriots weren't willing to do that. Branch thought he was better than the others. He wasn't.

So, I don't get where you think that Deion handled his contract negotiations in a business-like manner. If any business did what he did, they'd have numerous lawsuits filed against them.

Would you care to provide the actual LINK to your research? Or maybe the information on where you got it? BTW, BB has never badmouthed an actual player to my knowledge. And, the question he was asked has no bearing on Deion's antics during the contract negotiations.

PATRIOTSFANINPA

Lets see....Hmmmm Stanback and Aiken...two guys who should probably be in the CFL? or a player Brady literally had fun throwing to - I say Tom votes Deion over those 2.

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fumbrunner

In this business, you have to put that stuff behind you. BB will do what he needs to do to improve this team. Branch knows the offense, had outstanding chemistry with Brady, and would likely come at an extremely discounted rate (although he would have to renegotiate his contract). If he is healthy, he could be a huge addition and would help the pats find that all important 2nd or 3rd receiver for a bargain price. That would help the team make a run at Peppers, re-sign Big vince, etc.

Frezo

So what's he worth? What would you offer him and what would he accept?

Deus Irae

Fans are very quick to forgive their teams when they screw over players. They are very slow to forgive players that they perceive as having stuck it to the team.

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"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane."
- Marcus Aurelius

StraightCashHomey81

Here is the actual link to the quote from BB. It is from a 4/29/06 Press Conference. Don't worry I didn't pull a Borges and make some crap up:
Belichick Press Conference - 4/29/2006

In response to your comments about how Branch handled his situation, I don't think it was worse than anything Ty Law did, who pronounced his displeasure publicly. Yet Ty Law was rumored to have been offered to return the Pats numerous times after he left. Perhaps Branch and his agent engaged in some shrewd tactics, but the Pats have in the past as well. Perhaps Branch and his agent engaged in tampering, but I think every NFL team has at some point. The point is he didn't try to skewer the Pats PUBLICLY, like others have. I have never gotten the sense that there was bitterness at a personal level between Branch and the Pats, and thus like Law, I think there is a potential for entertaining the thought of a return.

Also, I believe that the Pats have nullified the last year of rookie contracts in the past. Seymour was given a salary bump after holding out in training camp (2005?). Brady and Ty Warren (and I believe along with a few others) have signed contract extensions before their rookie deals ended.

I am not disputing that Deion was clearly looking out for his own best interest during his holdout, and perhaps cost us a SB in 2006. But I don't think he ever acted in a disrespectful manner toward the Pats or us as fans.