What if Branch waited a year? - New England Patriots Forums

borg · 03-14-2007, 02:12 PM

For argument's sake, let's assume that Branch never had contract issues with the Patriots and played out his rookie contract. Furthermore, let's assume that Branch's stats would have improved because of the absence of Givens. Finally, let's also assume that Assante Samuel ended the 2006 with the exact same stats.
Which player would the Pats franchise? and
Could Branch have earned more coin as a Free Agent this off season? (Branch's Seattle contract: 6 years, $39 mill, $13 mill signing bonus)

solman · 03-14-2007, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by borg

For argument's sake, let's assume that Branch never had contract issues with the Patriots and played out his rookie contract. Furthermore, let's assume that Branch's stats would have improved because of the absence of Givens. Finally, let's also assume that Assante Samuel ended the 2006 with the exact same stats.
Which player would the Pats franchise? and
Could Branch have earned more coin as a Free Agent this off season? (Branch's Seattle contract: 6 years, $39 mill, $13 mill signing bonus)

Asante, no question.

CBs are much harder to find in free agency this year, and more expensive in general.

Asante had a pro bowl year last year, and while I have my doubts about his ability to remain at that level, its at least a possibility.

I liked Branch, but he was never an elite receiver.

Gopats!!! · 03-14-2007, 02:22 PM

Yeah, Branch screwed himself more than anyone else.

I wonder if he even realizes it. For someone who apparently thinks money is God, he can't be too happy. Maybe he will hold out this year for a new contract

I'd pay to see that!!!

borg · 03-14-2007, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solman

Asante, no question.

CBs are much harder to find in free agency this year, and more expensive in general.

Asante had a pro bowl year last year, and while I have my doubts about his ability to remain at that level, its at least a possibility.

I liked Branch, but he was never an elite receiver.

I agree on your franchise choice. I also feel that Branch could easily have parlayed a much larger signing bonus this year, given how GMs are doling it out massive bonuses to many of the journeymen. Whether a new contract would make up for his extra year with the Pats at $1.5 mill is very debatable, though.

satz · 03-14-2007, 02:29 PM

If i can redo something i will get the winning number on mass lottery and screw this site

.

Fixit · 03-14-2007, 02:34 PM

From now on, I'm going to need a BEETLEJUICE PHOTOS AHEAD warning.

***fgssand*** · 03-14-2007, 10:06 PM

WOW - Deion would be a much richer man.

We would not have Caldwell or Stallworth.

We would not have 2 #1's in the draft.

I would still have eaten too much during the year.

jbb9s · 03-14-2007, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fgssand

WOW - Deion would be a much richer man.

We would not have Caldwell or Stallworth.

We would not have 2 #1's in the draft.

I would still have eaten too much during the year.

Oh ya - and the most important part - we would be super bowl champions.

Commander Shears · 03-15-2007, 12:12 AM

If Branch got a relatively cheap contract because he didn't wait a year, it isn't much of a jump to say that the Patriots could have had Branch at a contract that would have been relatively cheap within a year. It cuts both ways.

spacecrime · 03-15-2007, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Commander Shears

If Branch got a relatively cheap contract because he didn't wait a year, it isn't much of a jump to say that the Patriots could have had Branch at a contract that would have been relatively cheap within a year.

Does this make sense to ANYONE?