BelichickFan

OK, here's my creative thinking for the day.

Problem :

- Branch thinks he's worth more than Belichick thinks he's worth.
- Belichick wouldn't pay him top dollar anyway based on his position.

Additional Facts :

- Branch would play this year if the Patriots promised not to Franchise him.
- Patriots can't promise not to Franchise as they'd lose any trade value under the Franchise tag,

My Solution :

Agree with Branch/agent to a reasonable trade value for Branch under the Franchise tag. Say a #2, whatever they agree on, but I'll use that. Agree, in writing if necessary, with Branch that he'll play this season but instead of promising not to Franchise him, promise that if he can find a team willing to trade the #2 that was agreed on in addition to giving him the contract he wants, we guarantee we'll make the trade.

Although they'd have to be slightly careful about the wording of things due to the intent of Franchising not supposed to be for trade purposes, this would work for both sides. The Patriots would get the player for this season and get the agreed to trade value. Branch would get his chance to negotiate his own long term deal and not be "stuck" with the meager $8M or so for one year that the Franchise Tag for a WR would give him.

flutie2phelan

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RIP#40

I think they have to play hardball with Branch. After giving in to Big Sey, if they give in to Branch, that will become the norm. If you're not happy with your contract, just hold out, the Pats will redo it. They need to draw the line here and now.
If he doesn't accept the last offer(I think 3 years 19 mil w/ 8 bonus)thats it, let him come back game 10, impose the fine. Franchise him next year, he'll play hard for a contract and say bye bye. Unless you can franchise him 2 years in a row, then I would do that. This crap has to be stopped now.

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Jim Colclough was the man.

chowder

I'd just franchise him... done deal. I guess Branch should be glad that i'm not BB. LOL

BelichickFan

The problem is that doesn't get him into camp tomorrow.

PromisedLand

I agree. It's like negotiating with terrorists - it only encourages them to kill more people. Or to put it more gently, it's like giving in to a four year old when they have a tantrum. It teaches them that the way to get what they want is to have a tantrum.

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It's so simple, even a Jets fan could do it.ä
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PromisedLand

So you play without him. Remember 2001 and Terry Glenn? ("How are they going to be able to survive without their best WR?") Sound familiar?

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RIP#40

I think he'll cave after the 3rd pre season game. With his injury history, I don't think he wanted anything to do w/ contact. I say the Pats give him a four year deal, 10 up front with an ave of 6 per year. If he doesn't take it he's nuts. I think the Pats would be crazy to do it, but they probably want to keep TB happy. I on the other hand, would let him rot.

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Jim Colclough was the man.

Pujo

I say they promise not to franchise him and let him get his money somewhere else next year. To me, the bridge seems burned anyway so we might as well get one last season out of him.

BelichickFan

That's not a win-win IMO. The CBA gives us the right to Franchise him, there's no quid pro quo there - we get nothing out of it.