Pats give Branch permission to seek Trade

[MDPATSFAN]

Re: I don't understand the joy felt over the stance the Pats are taking on Branch.....

Sheesh! The guy is already under contract and he's at the point of hurting the team. I'm beginning to feel some Philadelphia style resentment for the guy.

 

[TruthSeeker]

Re: I don't understand the joy felt over the stance the Pats are taking on Branch.....

Sheesh! The guy is already under contract and he's at the point of hurting the team. I'm beginning to feel some Philadelphia style resentment for the guy.

I'm not saying I don't resent the guy, but I don't see this move accomplishing much.

 

[Pats726]

Re: I don't understand the joy felt over the stance the Pats are taking on Branch.....

I really don't get it. This is like drawing a line in the sand and saying, "I dare you to step over this line", Deion steps over it, and drawing another line. What we all have to realize is that, come September 1st, we will be in the same place. Branch won't work out a trade, and he will still hold out afterwards. I really don't get the optimism. Just because the Pats have proclaimed this deadline, doesn't mean a trade OR a deal get's done by Sept 1st. Then what happens ? This proclamation doesn't force Deion to show up in camp on or after September 1st.

I think this is a face saving attempt by the Pats, basically washing their hands of Branch, but the only way they can get him outta here, is to trade him, which I don't think will happen, or cut him, which definately won't happen. If they think this will force Deion's hand into signing with the Pats, I don't think this was the smart way to do it. My only hope is that a trade does get worked out, but I doubt it.

Face saving for the Patriots??? Gemme some of dem good drugs!!! The face that has egg all over it is Branch's...HE is the one who said in April he would honor the contract and has failed to..He is the one who has laughed at reasonable offers and thinks he is worth so much more. It is Branch and his agent that have been foing on the Poor Deon Tour...Sorry..yjos WILL bring the situation to a head..the bus is leaving and THIS basically is his last chance...if nothing happens with him, the Pats move on and Mr Branch is Mr Irrelevent for 06...

 

[pats1]

Re: I don't understand the joy felt over the stance the Pats are taking on Branch....

If it works and he is traded, then the Pats get something in return instead of just losing him to free agency.

If it doesn't work and he isn't traded, then the Pats get some leverage because Branch/Chayut have a better idea of the market and know a trade isn't in the cards.

If they don't give in then, then then the Pats move on and Deion is without a job and pay. We all gotta eat (and pay for gas...and taxes...)

 

[patsox23]

Re: I don't understand the joy felt over the stance the Pats are taking on Branch....

Most of the media responses to this tactic have favored the Patriots. I think it's a good move.

 

[Brady'sButtBoy]

Pats Make Shrewd Move On Branch - Ian please leave as seperate post

(The Pats Grant Branch Trade etc. thread had turned into a pissing match about fines, philosophies, and even more derative distractions, Ian, while this thread notes a distinct aspect to the situation which calls for it's own reflection, I believe. Thanks.)

Pats Make Very Shrewd Move On Branch

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First of all, you've got to love Mike Reiss who comes back with his astute assesment of what the trade offer really means.
http://www.boston.com/sports/footbal.../reiss_pieces/

On top of all that, by waiting until camps were over and other teams know what they really have, the Pats have positioned themsleves to really squeeze max value for Branch should a trade occur. No more wishing that 6th rounder or FA is going to morph into Jerry Rice. Nope, the truth is really hurting teams that need a WR to put them over the top and dangling a SB MVP from a winning organization before their eyes just might make some GM lose his cool and hand over a king's ransom to the Pats in exchange for Deion. BB and Pioli deserve a real touche for this one.

If the Pats had given Deion this permission a month ago and still no resolution had been reached other teams would squeezing the Pats to cave in on a no-win situation. Instead, due to their patience the Pats might get more than anyone believes is possible - a number one and a player, three number twos? - because teams are so acutely aware at the moment of their limitations but still haven't been handed the grim reality of what the regular season will deliver. In other words, Branch may be seen as the final piece of a puzzle that a GM has still only seen in his dreams. And we all know that fantasy is the stuff dreams are made of.

Way to go Bill...

 

[SVN]

Re: I don't understand the joy felt over the stance the Pats are taking on Branch....

i think this is pats indirect way of saying - u find a team and good trade before 1st then you go or turn up by sept 1st or forget coming back ever .

 

[Pats726]

Re: Pats Make Shrewd Move On Branch - Ian please leave as seperate post

Not even 10 letters...but I agree...OK a few extra.....Great move..no matter what happens, the choice is Branch's and PLan B, C annd D are in place....

 

[Miguel]

On the NFLPA website the term sheet for the extension is available as a PDF. It allows for a third year of franchise player designation but with some pretty steep financial disincentives for a team choosing this course of action. Club can also select to tender a player as a Transition player this 3rd year after franchising for years 1 and 2.

http://www.nflpa.org/pdfs/CBA/2006_CBA_Extension_Term_Sheet.pdf

Please note that the above transistion tender would still come with a 20% increase in salary.

 

[dhamz]

I'm curious as to why you think that's the case?

Because the Pats run their team as a business. They are extremely smart businessmen.

Any smart businessman will tell you that in any negotiation you never give something for nothing. They gave Branch something big.

They had to have gotten a concession in return. Something the team would want just as much as Branch wants his "free agent week." What is the only thing that makes any sense?

 

[fgssand]

This latest deal seems to me to be a brilliant attempt to somehow get this issue resolved, prior to the season.

I hope his jerko agent is not going to turn this against the Pats once he realizes he very well may have a much higher value in his mind then 32 teams in the NFL.

Then again, if a franchise was stupid enough to throw 24MM at David Givens, I can only imagine what they will throw Deions way. If so, then what will said team offer as trade...if they are that dumb enough to overpay for the Deion, then they may be ripe for being taken advantage of at the same time. It would have to be a franchise blinded by the reflection of greed shimmering off of Deions SB MVP trophy.

This coming week should bring all kinds of rumor and innuendo. We know the Patriots won't talk, but plenty of other teams will for a variety of reasons. Look for a few leaks coming from teams that have been contacted by Agent Jason, he may even plant a few false rumors to try to make himself look better. especially through teams that have players he already represents.

I can only imagine what the agent is going to say when a week goes by and he is exposed to be the incompetent, pompous fool that he will appear. At that time it will really get ugly as the bloodied agent tries to defend his actions by calling out the Patriots. This is going to get very interesting very very soon.

 

[TruthSeeker]

Re: Pats Make Shrewd Move On Branch - Ian please leave as seperate post

I humbly disagree. September 2nd, we will wake up with the same disgruntled holdout, and no #1 receiver. This move won't prove fruitful, count my words. What IS funny, is all the Deion and Donnie Edwards BS rumor threads that ruled this messageboard yesterday and the day before. I can't belive all the people that fell for that crap. P.S.- Just heard a radio report that Deion got traded for Jerry Rice & T.O.-discuss......

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Re: Pats Make Shrewd Move On Branch - Ian please leave as seperate post

I fail to see the unique, thread deserving perspective.
More ego in action.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Re: I don't understand the joy felt over the stance the Pats are taking on Branch....

Merge this thread

 

[mikey]

Re: I don't understand the joy felt over the stance the Pats are taking on Branch....

I really don't get it. This is like drawing a line in the sand and saying, "I dare you to step over this line", Deion steps over it, and drawing another line. What we all have to realize is that, come September 1st, we will be in the same place. Branch won't work out a trade, and he will still hold out afterwards. I really don't get the optimism. Just because the Pats have proclaimed this deadline, doesn't mean a trade OR a deal get's done by Sept 1st. Then what happens ? This proclamation doesn't force Deion to show up in camp on or after September 1st.

I think this is a face saving attempt by the Pats, basically washing their hands of Branch, but the only way they can get him outta here, is to trade him, which I don't think will happen, or cut him, which definately won't happen. If they think this will force Deion's hand into signing with the Pats, I don't think this was the smart way to do it. My only hope is that a trade does get worked out, but I doubt it.

I also don't understand all the "joy" over the action of the team.

As I have said before, we have our "Joe Montana" in the prime of his career and we are getting rid of his "John Taylor" and "Jerry Rice".

2006 represents our best opportunity to pick up our 4th Lombardi. In a few more years, we will be facing tougher opponents in Roethlisberger, Palmer, Rivers, and Cutler.

I don't understand why we are semi-dismantling the team during the prime of Brady's career.

.

 

[shmessy]

3. Some foolish team pays Branch too much, the other players on that team resent it with good reason, and they give us one of their best players in return. I give this a 10% chance.

Helloooooooooo Redskins!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TNTransplant]

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/NFL_SC-RUMOR

New England Patriots Updated:08/16/2006
Patriots vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli was present at the Dallas Cowboys' practice yesterday, apparently to scout players for a possible trade. According to the Boston Globe, the Cowboys have some depth at linebacker, which is an area of need for the Patriots. One possible target is Scott Shanle who started eight games last season and has a background in the 3-4 defense under Bill Parcells.

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/396081

Branch for Shanle and a 3rd?

 

[fgssand]

Re: I don't understand the joy felt over the stance the Pats are taking on Branch.....

Face saving for the Patriots??? Gemme some of dem good drugs!!! The face that has egg all over it is Branch's...HE is the one who said in April he would honor the contract and has failed to..He is the one who has laughed at reasonable offers and thinks he is worth so much more. It is Branch and his agent that have been foing on the Poor Deon Tour...Sorry..yjos WILL bring the situation to a head..the bus is leaving and THIS basically is his last chance...if nothing happens with him, the Pats move on and Mr Branch is Mr Irrelevent for 06...

You are 100% correct. All you folks claiming the Patriots are at fault here - please help me to understand HOW??

He is under contract and yet, the Patriots did, D-I-D, did offer him significant long term deals.

Exactly where is the disrespect?

This latest move may simply be a brilliant attempt to drive home the reality of Deions worth.

 

[pats1]

Re: I don't understand the joy felt over the stance the Pats are taking on Branch....

I also don't understand all the "joy" over the action of the team.

As I have said before, we have our "Joe Montana" in the prime of his career and we are getting rid of his "John Taylor" and "Jerry Rice".

2006 represents our best opportunity to pick up our 4th Lombardi. In a few more years, we will be facing tougher opponents in Roethlisberger, Palmer, Rivers, and Cutler.

I don't understand why we are semi-dismantling the team during the prime of Brady's career.

.

What do you want them to do?

You always say that they should surround Brady like how the Colts have surrounded Manning.

How has that worked out for them? They overpay for Manning's weapons, and then are left with an unbalanced, underfunded rest of the team.

 

[drew4008]

Branch for Shanle and a 3rd?

Shanle is now a Saint.