mgteich

Branch is usually listed as one of the keys to our future success, and a must sign at almost any cost.

I strongly disagree. This team will NOT make Branch one of the top paid wide receivers in the game. Look at what Randel-El got in a contract. Look at TO. Certainly, Branch will command more (perhaps not as much as he thinks, but more). Will the situation be different in free agency next year.

The reality is that bb has a cap approach that works. This includes a certain amount for various positions. Yes, there are exceptions for superstars like Brady and Seymour, as there should be. Branch is NOT a superstar.

The team needs to build this year and next at wide receiver, and at outside linebacker. I have every confidence that we will.

R_T26

lets just let every patriot player go and never sign any of them after their rookie contracts up, sounds brilliant. Sure the Pats may consist of 52 second tier guys within 2 years and may be 5-11 like other dynasties, but when were 5-11 at least we can say we didnt over spend for anybody. If the team just keeps trying to replace lost free agents they wont improve.

mgteich

I presume that either you are first or second year fan or you have no memory at all. The patriots have a cap strategy that works.

We've kept a lot of top players past their first contract. HOWEVER, one of the secrets of cap management is to get the best out of your first contract rookies. Givens was a great success for the pats. Neal also.

McGinist didn't stay long enough? How about Bruschi or Vinatieri? or Brady? or Faulk? or Light? or Green? All were kept past their first contracts.

BTW, I am strongly in favor of paying Seymour $8M a year, or even a bit more.

BelichickFan

I agree with mg, Branch isn't getting a huge offer.

I think they're hoping to replace Givens with Caldwell and will draft Branch's replacement in the 2nd or 3rd round this year. By 2007 I think the goal is to have Caldwell and the new draftee as the starting WR. Please don't slam me and say "Caldwell sucks" or anything, I'm not arguing that I know he's a worthy replacement for Givens, just that I think he is the replacement for Givens.

mgteich

I suspect that we'll add several wideouts before camp. Caldwell could be a future starter or not. In any case, a single wide receiver isn't worth a lot for a team that sometimes passes to 10 players in one game. One could argue that we might pay more for the receivers as a whole. However, I would rather spend the money on OL upgrades. The benefit to the passing game is more that way.

So far for 2006 Brady has Branch, Caldwell, Watson, Graham, Faulk, Dillon and Pass as receivers (and of course Vrabel).

I haven't listed Childress or Johnson because as of now I don't see them as a key part of the mix.

I expect to add at least two, more likely 3-4 receivers before camp.

BionicPatriot

It depends. Branch deserves that contract alot more than Randle El does, that's for sure. The huge part is, we'll just have to see what Branch is asking for. If he wants to live up to his potential, go to another team where he'll always get the bacll, get a huge contract. If he wants to continue being a good WR, and a decent salary he'll saty. I'm not holding my breath.

__________________
Defense, defense, defense

BelichickFan

I guess I should re-word to :

I think we'll use a first day pick on a WR. He and Caldwell can compete for #2 and #3. If all goes well (and assuming Branch leaves) those two will both start in 2007 . . . if only one does well, we have one starter and can look around FA a year from now for the other starter.

Bottom line, I think we're done adding WR other than minimum salary guys until Day One of the draft.

italian pat patriot

i could be wrong but i think the Patriots are 'high' on Deion Branch.

does it means they will spend a lot of money on him ? no

does it means that anyway they will make a good offer to him ? probably

personally i like Deion and i hope he will be with us longtime

Drewwho

Branch is not a key to their success. Sure he is fast and has good hands, but is small and fragile and as he ages he will be more fragile.

He will NOT get big $$$ and will not remain with the Pats after this year unless he wants to stay and make less money. I doubt that.

Seymour will stay, but Branch will be out! Mark my words!

mikey

The irony of cutting Branch (2nd round, Superbowl MVP) without giving him the big money is that the team ends up giving Givens (7th round) more money than Branch.

If you were Deion, would you be angry?

How would that impact how other free agents perceive the organization?

If you were a rookie, would you hold out for a shorter contract?

.