R_T26

http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

BRANCH CAVING BEFORE SEPTEMBER 10?

A league source with first-hand experience in contract negotiations and player holdouts tells us that, in his opinion, Patriots receiver Deion Branch will end his holdout and join the team before the regular season begins.

The source focuses on Branch's recent statement that "everything's going to work out." Said the source, "That was a surrender comment. The kid is going in and he will sign a deal with [Jason] Chayut or another agent. No doubt in my mind. He was a second rounder and does not have millions in the bank."

Branch's base salary for 2006 is $1.045 million, which equates to more than $61,000 per week. The team previously offered a multi-year extension to Branch, but the deal reportedly was pulled off of the table. Still, if Branch reports in time for the start of the regular season, it's likely that the team will eventually get back to where they were, or close to it.

And even if Branch comes in after the preseason, he'll be no worse off then he was in 2005, when (according to the Gamebooks available via the 2005 preseason stats pages on NFL.com) Branch played in no preseason games.

SoonerPatriot

I could see when he did that TV interview this week he was starting to crack. You could just see it in his demeanor. There was an angle to play with giving the interview in the first place, and I don't thnk it was to soften his image among fans or to promote some lame hoops event he was attending.

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scott99

I'm so sick of these BS rumors. When I see Branch in camp, then I can be happy, but all this BS has to stop.

primetime

September is the 9th month of the year.

Kdo5

It wont stop.

Dats right Deion, cave in. I'll still forgive you if you join the team by the opener despite your annoying and ridiculous holdout.

MoLewisrocks

Duh... that is what most of us think will happen because the alternative is beyond stupid.

Pats726

I think this is the first PFT rumor about his return...and the fact that they mentioned it is a lot more credible than others...and of course it makes SENSE!! I mean...he's losing money left and right and ay some point..it does NOT make sense to keep losing it...I also think if he was out for a season game, the fines WOULD HAVE been given to him..I think the Pats will waive them..in good faith..don't fines like that go to charity???
If true..that would be VERY big!! A real boost to this team!!

sarge

If you notice, when discussing the source they said it was his "opinion"

This source probably has no credible information other then what he thinks will happen.

DarrylS

This whole thing is getting way too much play, my opinion of Branch has diminished significantly, I know his agent is doing most of the talking, so get a new agent..

He and Chayut should (Please be quiet - edited) and get down to serious negotiations and get him back on the field. I have no patience for all this posturing, particularly as the Pats are keeping their mouths shut about the whole matter. Hard time tantruming by yourself.

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smg93

Branch is just getting more press now from the media because he is the one and only holdout left. No one else to talk about so expect a flurry of Branch articles, even more than what we've seen so far.