Schefter: Branch to New England for 4th round pick

[JackBauer]

Disgusting news.

You're not even a Pats fan, so this comes as no surprise.

 

[PromisedLand]

How it works around here is when we trade players for draft picks, they're useless and we don't know what to do with them other than stockpile and trade them. Then, when we give one up for a player, they are very precious, valuable things that we have just tossed away without thought or rationale.

This wins the coveted Top Post award.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Not going to read through 14 pages, what is his contract status

I love this move personally

 

[The_Riddler]

Back to the "All Smurf" team, I'll take it, he's a natural for the system.

Dink and dunk wasn't such a bad thing after all..................Atleast it moved the chains and kept the defense fresh.

Welcome back Deion, now smile so we can re-acclimate ourselves to that grill of yours

 

[tobias funke]

The ink on the trade isn't even dry yet and some posters apparently already know that the entire forum (and fanbase) thinks Branch is the 2nd coming of Randy Moss?

 

[MossWelkowski]

Lets put it like this... Bill would have traded that 4th down for a 5th and a 7th.

So pretty much it was a 5th and 7th for Branch... fine by me.. I am all about the NOW anyways

 

[FCB02062]

I say it's a good trade, but the people who get hard ons over draft picks will be upset about it - the 18-21 year old fanboys who worship Todd McShay and Mel Kiper. Also, considering in the last 7 drafts Belichick's fourth rounders haven't been so stellar - Sanders, Ghostowski, Wilhite are the only guys left from 4th round since 2003 (not including Hernandez). Branch will come here and catch 30 or so balls through the last 12 games...I'd be happy with that...What's Givens doing these days???? And yes, I know Samuel was a 4th round pick...

 

[PaulNEPats]

Seems like a lot of people forgot his antics on the way out of town last go around.

 

[WhiZa]

His first play should be a double reverse Branch pass to Brady

 

[JackBauer]

Because I think so many fans (ESP homers) are going to believe we are getting the SB MVP Deion Branch back here ...not the beat up, aging WR that he is at this point. I guess price is not progressing quickly enough....so welk #1, Tate #2, branch #3...with hernandez,gronk, and Edelman if he is healthy....with some woodhead sprinkled in there....GO PATS

1.) I don't know any rational posters on this board who would believe that, so for now it's tilting at windmills.

2.) Not sure how this reflects on Price. I'd trade a 4th for Branch for veteran leadership and to ensure Slater never sees an offensive snap.

 

[The Dynasty]

Why don't you include some quotes or list the numbers of posts you're referencing?

Well, just at a quick glance there was a post saying we're back in the mix for the Super Bowl and then another saying Branch=Welker. Just go back in the first few pages...

 

[Kontradiction]

Shows how desperate the Pats felt they needed another WR. I guess they don't have too much confidence in Tate and Price, especially Price.

I too think a 4th rounder is a little steep, but Deion is probably the best guy we could have brought in.

Tate's playing flanker, and I think they feel fine with him. I don't think they felt fine with Price at split-end, and I don't think they felt fine with moving one of our slot specialists out to play split-end. Hence why Deion is here.

I, for one, have never felt any ill will toward the guy. I welcome him back and look forward to seeing him with a Flying Elvis on his head again.

 

[MassPats38]

He has played exactly one full season in his career, so you could never expect much in terms of getting a full season worth of production. You always want to pay less in trade, but I agree that all the early round picks stockpiled make this a chance worth taking.

If Brady wants him back and is happy with his return, It's worth the risk. Worst case, the Pats rely on the other receivers on the roster. Best case, Branch adds to the offense. I doubt number 53 on the roster will be missed that much, so I'll be interested in seeing what Branch has left.

 

[Bella*chick]

Seems like a lot of people forget his antics on the way out of town last go around.

Not as many as those who have forgotten Brady and Branch had a pretty good thing going when they played together.

 

[Lansdowne]

Time to hug it out, *****es!

 

[12plus81=6]

His first play should be a double reverse Branch pass to Brady

i was thinking the same thing... HAHAHAHAH

 

[Gwedd]

I don't follow many poster's "he knows our system".

are you suggesting that our O system - or at least the core of it - has not changed since Branch held us for ransom??

What hasn't changed is the terminology and overall concept. Branch will be up to speed quickly, and that's a plus.

Branch is simply another option for the offense, and you can never have enough options. Also, he's an excellent insurance policy in case we lose someone.

This is a VERY fair trade, and I have no qualms with it.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

He's going to play opposite Tate with Welker in the slot. And if reports are to be believed, his old QB who loved playing with him, called him and convinced him to come back. Brady probably thinks of him as someone who can come back and get right into the mix. So, we spent a 4th rounder on him - so what? It was my opinion that getting a 3rd for Moss was really no value, because we have so many picks we can't possibly sign all those young players plus keep the ones we've already got. While I wish he was younger and healthier, I can't argue with trying to recreate the magic.

definitely agreed. better than a jag or rookie. and i think Deion will be productive. Brady has another player he has confidence in during clutch situations.

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

It's a fourth rounder people, it's not going to become the next Randy Moss. Price was a third rounder and he probably won't even play this year. What would you rather have? Deion Branch or the next Rich Ohrnberger?

I'd rather have Aaron Hernandez, who was last years 4th rounder.

 

[Patjew]

I love it. And even though it's cost us a 2016 1st, I think it could be worthwhile.

Has anyone made a "we're getting the gang back together" joke yet?