Slagathor

I didn't realize the sides were this far apart.

I was thinking he's be back soon, but now I don't know.

<Word is Branch wants a deal that averages $8 million to $9 million per season and includes $12 million in bonuses. There's also been talk that he wants a contract similar to the six-year, $39 million deal (including a $13.5 million bonus) the Colts' Reggie Wayne received this year just before he was to become a free agent.>

Alk

That guy hasn't put up the numbers of a #1 WR and he wants that kind of money? I'm done with him, somebody show him the door please.

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dryheat44

Here's the nuts and bolts: The Patriots offer is a 3-year extension, Branch wants to rip up the old contract and get a new 4-year deal. The money paid for 2007, 2008, and 2009 is a mice nuts issue. The money paid for 2006 is the hangup.

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When it's third and 10, you can have the milk drinkers and I'll take the whiskey drinkers every time. -- R.I.P. Max McGee

mdhprime

I would like someone to show him reason. It sounds to me as if his agent has a personal grudge against the Patriots and he's convinced his client to start down a slippery slope. I hope Branch realizes it before it is too late for this season.

Slagathor

Here's the entire piece on Branch from Michael Smith on ESPN.COM:

As for Branch, to update: The Patriots reportedly have offered their leading receiver (in two of the past three seasons) a three-year extension, through 2009, worth $19 million that includes $8 million in bonuses. Branch's agent, Jason Chayut, hasn't so much as countered that offer. Word is Branch wants a deal that averages $8 million to $9 million per season and includes $12 million in bonuses. There's also been talk that he wants a contract similar to the six-year, $39 million deal (including a $13.5 million bonus) the Colts' Reggie Wayne received this year just before he was to become a free agent.


There was talk last week that the Patriots might have increased their offer to four years, $24 million, with $10 million in bonuses, but both Chayut and a high-ranking team official said that was not the case. Fact is the sides aren't even negotiating; Chayut says he and the Patriots haven't talked since before camp.


Chayut has said that Branch would report if the team would promise not to use the franchise designation after the season. Short of such an agreement, the signs point to Branch, who can be fined up to $14,000 a day, sitting out well into the season.


Of course, Branch has outperformed his contract. He deserves to be fairly compensated for catching 21 passes in two Super Bowls (he was the MVP of XXXIX) and averaging 20 yards on 41 career postseason receptions. His value to the team is far greater than the $1.045 million he is to make this season, the last of his rookie contract.


But the Patriots aren't about to give in to Branch's demands. Before they do, they'll bring Jerry Rice out of retirement as they did with Junior Seau. They won't panic because their QB is money, especially with a running game he can count on.


Sure, New England's offense will miss a beat. Branch is by far the Patriots' best receiver. But Brady and his band will play on. And play well.

Hoodie

That's an easy question: Respect. See Pedro Martinez for the definition.

PatsWorldChamps

let him sit until week 10.... then he plays the rest of this year for free (due to accrued fines)... then franchise him for next year (less than the pats have offered, plus NO BONUS) ... doesnt sound that good for branch does it?

i dont believe branch will do that... he hasnt had that BIG money contract yet; can he afford to lose 2 years off his career for what, $6M (with him taking full risk of injury for 2 years)?

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"If you didn't know better, you'd think the Jets sent Bill Belichick north
to destroy the Patriots from within. (When) they could have had
impact players David Terrell or Koren Robinson or the second-best tackle in
the draft in Kenyatta Walker, they took Georgia defensive tackle Richard
Seymour, (who is) too tall to play tackle at 6-6 and too slow to play defensive end." - Xerox Borges, April 2001

maverick4

Sometimes it's not about the numbers. Seymour hardly has top DT/DE stats, but his talent is compensated according to his actual talent.

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sarge

Well it sucks that they sides haven't talked since before camp.

I'm just counting him as no longer a member of team.

To bad he wasn't a man of his word!

Oh well, the games go on!

Kdo5

Why should they?