I don't think Branch has a leg to stand on in his grievance.
When it's over, what do you Pats fans want the Pats to do?
They could probably open trade talks and get a better offer from the Jets or Seahawks, but they're not going to get two firsts. Regardless of what you think he's worth, I think a first and a third would be the best you can get for a disgruntled player. They could try to extend Branch's contract. (I know there's a lot of bad blood there now but $40 million can mend alot of fences.) They can play hardball and let him sit out till week 10. You could be in the thick of a playoff chase when he comes in goes TO on you and torpedoes the end of your season.
If you trade him or extend him, that sets a horrible precendent for future negotiations, if you cause trouble, you can get what you want. If you play hardball, you discourage other players from doing what Branch is doing, but that won't help you at all on the field this year.
I hope he doesn't decide to report to the team and go TO on you. As much as I dislike you guys for beating us in the super bowl, I wouldn't wish that on anyone (at least no one outside of the NFC East).
Good luck in the AFC this year, if I had to chose which team the Eagles got to beat in the Super Bowl, it would probably be you. You're a class organization.
When it's over, what do you Pats fans want the Pats to do?
They could probably open trade talks and get a better offer from the Jets or Seahawks, but they're not going to get two firsts. Regardless of what you think he's worth, I think a first and a third would be the best you can get for a disgruntled player. They could try to extend Branch's contract. (I know there's a lot of bad blood there now but $40 million can mend alot of fences.) They can play hardball and let him sit out till week 10. You could be in the thick of a playoff chase when he comes in goes TO on you and torpedoes the end of your season.
If you trade him or extend him, that sets a horrible precendent for future negotiations, if you cause trouble, you can get what you want. If you play hardball, you discourage other players from doing what Branch is doing, but that won't help you at all on the field this year.
I hope he doesn't decide to report to the team and go TO on you. As much as I dislike you guys for beating us in the super bowl, I wouldn't wish that on anyone (at least no one outside of the NFC East).
Good luck in the AFC this year, if I had to chose which team the Eagles got to beat in the Super Bowl, it would probably be you. You're a class organization.