Deion Branch - Re-sign?

[Patriot_in_NY]

I'm just cruising around Patriots.com and watching some different press conferences, interviews and such and it strikes me on just how much of a leader and how "out front" Deion Branch is from a "locker room" perspective. It almost seems that they put him out a lot in Brady's stead in the role of spokesmen whenever they can. It's obviously Brady's team, but Deion certainly tows the company line 100%. This go round he just seems to be so much more humbled and appreciative to be here.

He's also a FA after this year. Do we re-sign him?

Now, don't get me wrong...... he's clearly lost a step as a receiver (but he's obviously still productive to a certain level), and there are certainly guys that we need to prioritize much more highly in this offense when it comes to re-signing (Welker for instance). We also certainly need to bring in more talent at that position (Lloyd ) , but I'm curious as your thoughts about retaining Branch?.....

I'm one who really HATED how he left the team the first go round, and was lukewarm about his re-signing last year....... But since that time, he has really grown back on me. I personally hope that we bring him back and he retires a Patriot.

Personally, I think that he'd take a huge hometown discount to remain here, and I think that he has real value in the locker room and even still some good protection left on the field (although diminishing).

Thoughts?

 

[jarnhestur]

I'm an anti-Branch guy. I hated how he left and enjoyed seeing him humbled. I hated when they resigned him. I think Brady makes him look very good when he's really average at best.

Yes, I'm bitter.

That being said with all the problems we've had getting quality WRs, we absolutely resign him. He disappears at times is hurt regularly, but he knows the system and is a team player. Other then the fact we're overpaying for what should be fairly basic WR slot, there's very little downside to resigning him.

 

[PatsFan2]

I love Branch and hope he does well in the SB but as to resign i say NO! also i think Ocho-Stinko will be released. Which leaves two spots for WR's one via *FA* 2012 Great year for FA *WR's* and one via the Draft. This Offense NEEDS Speed on the outsides. We think the 2007 Offense was Great...Get a WR who can stretch the field and catch and this will be th BEST Patriot Offense Ever! Back to Deion Branch his skills are diminishing he doesn't get out of his breaks as sharp as he use to and his straight line speed leaves alot to be desired. We want no more WR's on the wrong side of 30 of this Team.

 

[Patspsycho]

I think he and Faulk will retire after they get one more ring.

 

[BelichickFan]

I expect Branch to be back unless he expects big money. Of our WR, Branch and Welker are all I expect back. No Chad, no Underwood. Edelman will be back but he's not really a full time WR.

Welker
Branch
1 Vet FA
1 Draftee
1 Vet FA or Draftee
Edelman as the WR/DB/ST

 

[Pujo]

I don't see why not as long he's reasonable about his contract. You can't get a better #3 receiver for Brady.

 

[PatsFan2]

I don't see why not as long he's reasonable about his contract. You can't get a better #3 receiver for Brady.

Huh???Check FA WR's 2012...way better, younger and faster than him are on that list. Glad BB is making the decisions.

 

[Sciz]

Yes, as the #3 behind Welker and Lloyd.

 

[BlueThunder]

Agree Pats need a field stretching WR to open up this already good Offense.

One hopes Lloyd could be that player unless he wants top $$$$$. Guess its a choice between $$$ or shot at a ring. Josh will have to sell BB on his value to this offense and team if they do get to that point.

 

[Patriot_in_NY]

I think he and Faulk will retire after they get one more ring.

I can totally see Faulk retiring (and I think he will)....... as a 35 years old 3rd down back, there just isn't much left (36 next year). I think he's being kept around on the active roster as a great locker room presence and leadership, but he pretty much doesn't have any real production value.

Branch will be 33 next year and as demonstrated this year, the dude still have the skills to be productive. I can only seeing him retiring if we do not pick him up again and no other teams showing interest in him. He's clearly more effective in our system then any other, and I think that we'd get him for depth and his leadership.

 

[DaBruinz]

I don't believe that Branch will be back. There is only so much money.

Welker needs to be re-signed. Even if he takes a Cap friendly deal of $6-$7 million per year, that's going to be a lot. Brandon Lloyd, who supposedly wants to join McDaniels is also going to cost some money.

The Pats are going to need to part ways with Chad OchoCinco. So that still only leaves the Pats with 3 WR. So I can see them adding 1-2 more via the draft. Though, those players will need to be able to play on Special Teams.

 

[PatsFan2]

I can totally see Faulk retiring....... as a 35 years old 3rd down back, there just isn't much left (36 next year). I think he's being kept around on the active roster as a great locker room presence and leadership, but he pretty much doesn't have any real production value.

Branch will be 33 next year and as demonstrated this year, the dude still have the skills to be productive. I can only seeing him retiring if we do not pick him up again and no other teams showing interest in him. He's clearly more effective in our system then any other, and I think that we'd get him for depth and his leadership.

Vereen was Drafted to replace Faulk hope he shows his stuff next year.

 

[PatsFan2]

I don't believe that Branch will be back. There is only so much money.

Welker needs to be re-signed. Even if he takes a Cap friendly deal of $6-$7 million per year, that's going to be a lot. Brandon Lloyd, who supposedly wants to join McDaniels is also going to cost some money.

The Pats are going to need to part ways with Chad OchoCinco. So that still only leaves the Pats with 3 WR. So I can see them adding 1-2 more via the draft. Though, those players will need to be able to play on Special Teams.

Hey what do you think of Laurent Robinson i think he's a FA too.

 

[ProudestRyno]

Hey what do you think of Laurent Robinson i think he's a FA too.

Dallas will retain him.

 

[dhamz]

I think they will very much want to keep him but it all depends on the $. Branch as your #2 WR making #2 WR money is a weakness. Branch as your #3 WR on a reasonable contract is a strength. Whether they sign him or not I'd expect the team to try to upgrade the WR group in the off-season again - hopefully with more success than it did this past off-season.

 

[DaBruinz]

Hey what do you think of Laurent Robinson i think he's a FA too.

I think that Laurent Robinson has had a tough few years. He played well in St. Louis, but wasn't retained. San Diego signed him prior to this season, but he didn't make it out of training camp with them. Dallas came calling and he seems to have found a home. He stepped up trememdously when Bryant and Austin were hurt at different times. He had a career year with them..

If I'm Dallas, I'd love to retain him. BUT there is the issue of money. How much are you willing to pay your #3 wide receiver? Especially when you have Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, and Jason Witten ahead of him in terms of the receiving pecking order?

And, supposedly, Robinson wants to stay with Dallas. But they can't do anything in terms of a contract extension because of one fo the new rules in the CBA that doesn't allow extensions to be signed by vested veterans who were under a 1 year, league minimum deal.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I think he'll be resigned and evaluated in camp. If he's still around as effective as now, I hope he's here another year. Look at the #'s, he was VERY productive for being the #4 option in an offense even with a few missed games.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

Branch left once. He isn't going anywhere after that experience. He's worth more to us than he is to anyone, and it won't be that much. Isn't this year either. Lot less than Ocho... Belichick has been effusive in his praise of Branch down the stretch, talking about how he makes plays and does the right thing even when he isn't targeted. Aside from Lloyd, who knows the offense but has no repore with this QB, there is no way to predict you can replace what Branch brings to the table even now. Branch got his $$$ via Seattle. He's in it for the rings now.

 

[DaBruinz]

Branch left once. He isn't going anywhere after that experience. He's worth more to us than he is to anyone, and it won't be that much. Isn't this year either. Lot less than Ocho... Belichick has been effusive in his praise of Branch down the stretch, talking about how he makes plays and does the right thing even when he isn't targeted. Aside from Lloyd, who knows the offense but has no repore with this QB, there is no way to predict you can replace what Branch brings to the table even now. Branch got his $$$ via Seattle. He's in it for the rings now.

Let's hope he actually shows up for the game.. He's been non-existent for 3 of the past 7 weeks. And 3 of the other 4, his contribution was minimal.

 

[D-Money]

If Branch can contribute 75 yards in the superbowl, i would be ecstatic.The bottom line is that Branch is good for 2 catches and 18 yards.WR help is a must in the off-season.Its time to stretch the field!!!