I'm not stessed at all, but very very curious.
I see almost any alternative as a win, just in different degrees.
Thats why I like the move by the Pats, it forced a solution, or at least a better chance at one.
Trading Branch for sufficient return is a win to me.
Resigning Branch is a win to me.
Nothing happening, but increasing the pressure on Branch to report, is a win, but of a much smaller magnitude.
The only real loss is Branch sitting out til week 10, then reporting and completing his contract being of no help to the Pats, and getting nothing in return. IMO, this has become almost no chance of happening. Worst case, IMO, is the Pats have now identified trade partners and have up unitl the trade deadline to get the best deal.
I think the end result is if Branch isnt at practice on Monday (or tuesday if Mon is an off day) he will never play here again, and we wont lose him without compensation. Ive grown to be OK with either result.