oldrover

And his column today. This Branch situation was handled horribly. The Pats say a guy like Branch is everything they want... then they lowball him. If you're a Pats player and see this happen, how do you think it won't happen to you?

I'm done drinking the Kool-Aid on every topic. Belichick is a great coach... an HOFer... but he screwed this up royally.

RayClay

Remember he is under his original contract with us for one year. After that our offer averages over 6 mil a year.

Branch wants to rip up the last year of his contract.

If we compare the average dollars for a new contract with offers they are almost the same.

Of course these "offers" are only words until someone makes a trade offer.

He is under contract after all.

What would you do differently?

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BillD

I Like Branch as much as the next guy. But there's something that needs to be said. He's frail, doesn't always play a full season. And too many times I've seen him hit the turf or, head out of bounds to avoid contact. I think he plays a little soft.

pats1

Who lowballed who?

Branch was the one who didn't honor the contract.

The Pats aren't going to cave for ANY player in ANY season.

Get that through your mind, and you will rest happily.

NE39

I agree that the Pats mis-calculated by letting Branch go out and solicit contracts with other teams. At the time I agreed with the move. Negotiations were going nowhere, and it seemed a way to get things jumpstarted.

However, in hindsight, it did blow up in their face. Branch has dug in even further, filing grievances to try and get out.

I guess everyone makes mistakes sometime. The best thing at this point would probably be to trade him and move on. I don't want it lingering all season.

DSal

I get a kick out of everyone who says Branch got lowballed.
He signed an incentive laden contract that at the time all parties agreed was fair and equitable - he needs to live with it.
He is not the driving force in this offense - Mr. Brady would be the man for that.
He was offered a contract averaging 6 mil/yr. after his current contract is up
If he stays and is franchised next year he'll be among the top 5 paid WR's in the league.

Lowballed????????????????????????????????????????? ??

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My gettup 'n go mustta gottup 'n went.
Steve Tyler

RayClay

It takes two parties to negotiate.

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shmessy

They got a one year younger guy yesterday who had half of last year's Branch production (Deion's best ever, btw) cathching errant missiles thrown by Kerry Collins, for godssake......in a weak RB offense where opposing D's played Nickel 80% of the time. What can he do in ours???????

That's 50% of Branch for 10% of the money. And if they lose Branch they'll get AT LEAST a 2nd rounder for him.

That's freakin SYMPHONIC.

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"They (Patriots) may be the greatest team ever" - Chris Mortenson, January 18, 2005 on espn.com

vyrago

[QUOTE=DSal]I get a kick out of everyone who says Branch got lowballed.
He signed an incentive laden contract that at the time all parties agreed was fair and equitable - he needs to live with it.

Did he meet all of those incentives, and if not why not?

Patsbacker

Brilliant!...well said