Why would Seymour sign Now?

[Miguel]

Miguel:

I don't really see the Pats insulting Seymour with a below market offer. They might not shoot for the moon, but they'll make him a legitimate offer, just like they did with Ty Law, Tom Brady, etc.

The offer to Ty Law was not in the range of what Top 5 cornerbacks were making in 2004 or have gotten since then. The Patriots' 1st offer to Brady was a 4-tiered option deal - one that the Pats should have expected Brady to quickly reject. All I am saying that it is rather apparent that with his 2005 holdout in that Seymour expects to be paid as the #1 defensive lineman in the game and that he is not willing to give a big hometown discount.

While the question is why should Seymour sign now??

The better question is why should Branch sign now???

He will be the best wide receiver from the 2002 draft who will be an UFA in 2007. There is only one wide receiver from the 2003 draft who is widely rated better than Branch - Andre Johnson AND Andre Johnson is signed through the 2008 season. Javon Walker is the only top receiver that I can think of that is not already signed for the 2007 season and he is looking for a new deal. To sum up, it is very likely that Branch will be the top wideout available in free agency in 2007. Branch has to expect that the Patriots will franchise Seymour in 2007 so the Pats will not be able to use the franchise tag on Branch.

It is unfortunate that none of the Boston sports media have looked into why Seymour's 2006 salary on the NFLPA site decreased by $3 million. Did Seymour reach escalators that caused his salary to go down but guarantee him a roster bonus?? All of this talk of franchising Seymour is rather dependent on knowing his 2006 cap number. And it is not 100% clear what it is right now.

 

[Miguel]

I would not expect Seymour to sign any deal until after John Abraham is signed.