Branch still loves BB, would love to be back (el mergio)

[PatsFaninME]

Brady wants him here so stop talking and bring him here.

 

[DaBruinz]

Brady wants him here so stop talking and bring him here.

Are you sure that Brady wants him here? After the way he left and basically gave Brady the big FU and basically said that HE (Deion) was more important than Brady...

 

[Prufrock]

He will probably end up on IR around the time that Welker is ready to play. I say take a chance as long as it doesn't cost them much.

 

[StraightCashHomey81]

I don't understand the bitterness towards Branch. He handled his contract negotation like the Patriots always do, as a business. He was always a class act here and has never said anything bad about the organization since he left. Unlike Samuel, Seymour, and AD, he never made it personal. I would love to see him return.

I've been working on a research project on the Patriots' Belichick-Era approach to the NFL Draft, and I came upon this quote from BB after Day 1 of the 2006 Draft, after he was asked a question about Chad Jackson (gulp), and how his mental development as a collegiate compared to Branch's:

"I think Deion came in at a pretty high level. I think that would be pretty unusual to find anybody at that level. I would say that
was exceptional."

Clearly, BB thought very highly of Deion and obviously so did Brady. If he checks out medically, I think its a no-brainer to bring him back, whether it be through trade or waiting for him to be released.

 

[DaBruinz]

I don't understand the bitterness towards Branch. He handled his contract negotation like the Patriots always do, as a business. He was always a class act here and has never said anything bad about the organization since he left. Unlike Samuel, Seymour, and AD, he never made it personal. I would love to see him return.

BS he did. You clearly don't know what you are talking about. Deion handled it like an ***CLOWN. During an interview prior to the 2006 draft, Deion lied through his teeth and said he was a man of his word and that he'd play out his contract regardless of his contract status. Then, after the draft, he informed the PRESS, not even the Pats directly, that he'd not be attending any of the OTAs or passing camps or training camp until the issue was resolved. Then, either he or his agent didn't bother to actually respond to any of the Pats contract offers until after the start of TC. That was not bargaining in good faith. That is when he'd issued his trade ultimatum. Not to mention that there were reports of him discussing contract numbers with the Jets prior to getting permission for the trade, which is why the Pats rejected the offer of the Jets 2nd rounder.

One of the biggest issues is that Branch wanted to be treated differently than Brady and Seymour and have the last year of his rookie contract nullified. The Patriots weren't willing to do that. Branch thought he was better than the others. He wasn't.

So, I don't get where you think that Deion handled his contract negotiations in a business-like manner. If any business did what he did, they'd have numerous lawsuits filed against them.

I've been working on a research project on the Patriots' Belichick-Era approach to the NFL Draft, and I came upon this quote from BB after Day 1 of the 2006 Draft, after he was asked a question about Chad Jackson (gulp), and how his mental development as a collegiate compared to Branch's:

"I think Deion came in at a pretty high level. I think that would be pretty unusual to find anybody at that level. I would say that
was exceptional."

Clearly, BB thought very highly of Deion and obviously so did Brady. If he checks out medically, I think its a no-brainer to bring him back, whether it be through trade or waiting for him to be released.

Would you care to provide the actual LINK to your research? Or maybe the information on where you got it? BTW, BB has never badmouthed an actual player to my knowledge. And, the question he was asked has no bearing on Deion's antics during the contract negotiations.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

Are you sure that Brady wants him here? After the way he left and basically gave Brady the big FU and basically said that HE (Deion) was more important than Brady...

Lets see....Hmmmm Stanback and Aiken...two guys who should probably be in the CFL? or a player Brady literally had fun throwing to - I say Tom votes Deion over those 2.

 

[fumbrunner]

In this business, you have to put that stuff behind you. BB will do what he needs to do to improve this team. Branch knows the offense, had outstanding chemistry with Brady, and would likely come at an extremely discounted rate (although he would have to renegotiate his contract). If he is healthy, he could be a huge addition and would help the pats find that all important 2nd or 3rd receiver for a bargain price. That would help the team make a run at Peppers, re-sign Big vince, etc.

 

[Frezo]

So what's he worth? What would you offer him and what would he accept?

 

[Deus Irae]

I don't understand the bitterness towards Branch. He handled his contract negotation like the Patriots always do, as a business...

Fans are very quick to forgive their teams when they screw over players. They are very slow to forgive players that they perceive as having stuck it to the team.

 

[StraightCashHomey81]

BS he did. You clearly don't know what you are talking about. Deion handled it like an ***CLOWN. During an interview prior to the 2006 draft, Deion lied through his teeth and said he was a man of his word and that he'd play out his contract regardless of his contract status. Then, after the draft, he informed the PRESS, not even the Pats directly, that he'd not be attending any of the OTAs or passing camps or training camp until the issue was resolved. Then, either he or his agent didn't bother to actually respond to any of the Pats contract offers until after the start of TC. That was not bargaining in good faith. That is when he'd issued his trade ultimatum. Not to mention that there were reports of him discussing contract numbers with the Jets prior to getting permission for the trade, which is why the Pats rejected the offer of the Jets 2nd rounder.

One of the biggest issues is that Branch wanted to be treated differently than Brady and Seymour and have the last year of his rookie contract nullified. The Patriots weren't willing to do that. Branch thought he was better than the others. He wasn't.

So, I don't get where you think that Deion handled his contract negotiations in a business-like manner. If any business did what he did, they'd have numerous lawsuits filed against them.

Would you care to provide the actual LINK to your research? Or maybe the information on where you got it? BTW, BB has never badmouthed an actual player to my knowledge. And, the question he was asked has no bearing on Deion's antics during the contract negotiations.

Here is the actual link to the quote from BB. It is from a 4/29/06 Press Conference. Don't worry I didn't pull a Borges and make some crap up:
Belichick Press Conference - 4/29/2006

In response to your comments about how Branch handled his situation, I don't think it was worse than anything Ty Law did, who pronounced his displeasure publicly. Yet Ty Law was rumored to have been offered to return the Pats numerous times after he left. Perhaps Branch and his agent engaged in some shrewd tactics, but the Pats have in the past as well. Perhaps Branch and his agent engaged in tampering, but I think every NFL team has at some point. The point is he didn't try to skewer the Pats PUBLICLY, like others have. I have never gotten the sense that there was bitterness at a personal level between Branch and the Pats, and thus like Law, I think there is a potential for entertaining the thought of a return.

Also, I believe that the Pats have nullified the last year of rookie contracts in the past. Seymour was given a salary bump after holding out in training camp (2005?). Brady and Ty Warren (and I believe along with a few others) have signed contract extensions before their rookie deals ended.

I am not disputing that Deion was clearly looking out for his own best interest during his holdout, and perhaps cost us a SB in 2006. But I don't think he ever acted in a disrespectful manner toward the Pats or us as fans.

 

[BradyFTW!]

Sam.




Aiken.

Yup, that pretty much covers up. It's been a long time since I was under the illusion that my favorite teams were full of great guys, so I don't care that Deion's a d**k. If Belichick thinks that he can help the Pats win, then that's good enough for me.

 

[Wolfpack]

In this business, you have to put that stuff behind you. BB will do what he needs to do to improve this team.

+1 and I was about to say the exact same thing. I can't believe how emotional some people are. I am glad Belichick doesn't let emotion dictate his actions - I guess he's like Mr. Spock

Obviously there are a lot of factors to consider, such as his health and how much he would actually cost. But AFAIC, whatever happened 4 years ago is irrelevant.

 

[Wolfpack]

In response to your comments about how Branch handled his situation, I don't think it was worse than anything Ty Law did, who pronounced his displeasure publicly. Yet Ty Law was rumored to have been offered to return the Pats numerous times after he left.

Not to mention the fact that BB kept Law here for another year after the offseason where he very publicly and vocally slammed him.

 

[SeanBruschi54]

why are people so against his return if it happens?

the only gripe you should have at this point is his cost via trade, the amount of cash he is owed and the amount of damage his legs have sustained.

Im all for bringing his crazy ass back.

 

[DaBruinz]

I'm against it because I've watched several Seattle Games over the Past 3 years and Deion just isn't that good. Nor can he stay healthy. What's the point of bringing him in if he's going to spend 3-8 games on the bench injured? I'd rather use the money on trying to bring in other players with better track records than Branch

 

[Jackson 2]

It's uncomplicated. If BB thinks it's a good move for the team, he'll make it. If not, he won't. Personally, from what I've seen of Branch lately (admittedly limited), he appears to be done.

 

[Patspsycho]

Branch is not coming here. BB took the plunge to get young again. Why would he take a step backwards?

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

Branch is not coming here. BB took the plunge to get young again. Why would he take a step backwards?

Desperation????

I would be if Stanback and Aiken are #3 and #4s right now...they couldn't break the Arena Football League as WRs

 

[SeanBruschi54]

I'm against it because I've watched several Seattle Games over the Past 3 years and Deion just isn't that good. Nor can he stay healthy. What's the point of bringing him in if he's going to spend 3-8 games on the bench injured? I'd rather use the money on trying to bring in other players with better track records than Branch

I doubt that from the small amount you've watched you have guaged a good enough idea on what to judge. The only people to really rely on is seahawks fans.

It's uncomplicated. If BB thinks it's a good move for the team, he'll make it. If not, he won't. Personally, from what I've seen of Branch lately (admittedly limited), he appears to be done.

Like this quote, plain and simple if BB says the dude can still make plays then bring him in.

Branch is not coming here. BB took the plunge to get young again. Why would he take a step backwards?

....????
He took that plunge on defense. Not offense.

Desperation????

I would be if Stanback and Aiken are #3 and #4s right now...they couldn't break the Arena Football League as WRs

If we start next year with Stanback and Aiken as main WR's then we are bound for failure. These two guys cant catch!!!

At least for all the crap you can shoot at Deion he could catch a ball thrown to him and not drop it like the garbage we had this year.

 

[fumbrunner]

Branch is not coming here. BB took the plunge to get young again. Why would he take a step backwards?

He is only 30.