Yep - Another Deion Branch thread

[Pats726]

I don't think he wants out, I think Felger may have hit on the problem today. He is sick of people blaming Chayut for this. He thinks Chayut is probably in over his head as a negotiator and so he overplayed his hand in not countering the team. Maybe he believed they were so far apart there was no point, who knows. But Felger believes the little engine driving this drama is Deion Branch himself. He thinks he has been unhappy about his rookie deal for a while (probably since 10 minutes after the MVP trophy presentation in 2005). I don't doubt his agent shared and even encouraged the myopic view that in the year his name and Jerry Rice's were mentioned in the same breath he needed to be paid like the next Jerry Rice.

The Patriots performance this week didn't bolster his case. Neither did what the Eagles said and then did today. They were thought to be the best benchmark on what a well run franchise with a dire need for a #1 might be willing to pay for a Deion Branch. Their answer was no more than NE already offered.

He may yet get a better offer from a mis-managed franchise he would live to wish he never heard of. But as the league digests the permission to seek a deal and pundits start talking to their team contacts and assessing Deion interest in more detail, the concensus will be while many think we should pay whatever it takes to retain him (and we are being arrogant in refusing to do so because many GM's are wildly jealous of not only what we've done but how we've done it when they could not) - they don't see him as an elite #1 either. Felger had the guy who just wrote that Kraft piece for SI on today and he told Michael that around the league the real knock on Branch is that GM's fear his success is as much a product of the system and the QB in NE as it is his talent. Away from that they fear he is a nice #2. And that kind of talk alone will dampen the interest of most teams who were inclined to kick his tires.

Mo...if he doesn't want out, what is he, Branch, doing to bridge the gap??? I put Chuyut and Branch in the same boat...and do NOT excuse Deion at alll. It is he who will really suffer and I feel sad about that, but I don't see any movement at all from them. SO there is no point...so what does he do sit oiut all together?? Not honor the contract?? That is what I am trying to understand...does he want out of NE?? If he doesn't what is he doing to stay?? Just very perplexing...

 

[Pats726]

726, the explanation that makes the most sense to me is that Branch does not want to be a Patriot anymore. That's a WAG on my part.

Miguel...that makes some sense..and you may be right..maybe one doesn't wish to believe that he would want out...but what other explanation is there given the lack of moves?? of counter offers?? of not wishing at all to bridge the gap?? Is it Deion being led enavled vy his agent?? Deion the puppetmaster who is controlling Chuyut?? Are they bot enavling each other in some odd unreality of greed?? The bubble is bursting soon..and I think everyone will know what he really wishes for...unfortunately, I think he may sit out longer.

 

[SamBam39]

I think it seems worse than it will wind up being because we are fans and just want him back.

I think he's tried to pressure his way to an extension and failed and he'll report back soon, start playing well, and there's a good chance the sides will reach some sort of agreement on an extention in the future. If not, the Pats will find alternatives that will be just fine.

He's not gonna just keep sitting out all year, so have some faith. These things play out.

 

[Pats726]

I think it seems worse than it will wind up being because we are fans and just want him back.

I think he's tried to pressure his way to an extension and failed and he'll report back soon, start playing well, and there's a good chance the sides will reach some sort of agreement on an extention in the future. If not, the Pats will find alternatives that will be just fine.

He's not gonna just keep sitting out all year, so have some faith. These things play out.

I thought from the start this would end up poorly..while many said don't worry, he'll be back by Preseason game to OR XXXXXX. I am not worried about the Patriots as they will move on if he stays stubborn. I hope it will all work out, that Deion will get some reasonableness inside him, but if that were true why now?? Why has it extended out this long..which is why I think he may be REALLY dumb and stay out till Game 10. I think he's losing even more and more, but..that is me. And he is inmsulated and making dumb moves.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

Weren't we all shook up when Bledsoe left?

No...:woohoo: :rocker:

but excellent points on the rest.

 

[fgssand]

I wrote this elsewhere, but it really belongs here:


When he returns, I for one will certainly cheer loud and long for the guy. I feel our chances of having a totally dominant offense are greatly enhanced with Mr Branch as our #1 WR. Just think how this offense will look with him out there every game.

I do not blame the guy for trying to maximize his earnings. I feel badly for him that he made what may turn out to be the worst choice in agents ever. I actually think his staying loyal to Jason demonstrates even more so that Deion is a straight up guy. What I see here is a confused individual pledging misguided blind faith to an incompetent player agent.

I also think BB/SP realize these things as well. Their unorthodox way of enabling his agent to find a deal proves just that. They had to come up with a way to show Deion his agent has no clue and has reached a bit too far on his behalf. Maybe, just maybe their ploy will work and Deion will wake up and either fire his agent or take over and insist he gets a deal done.

I still stand by my original Deion comes back date of 9/2.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

726, the explanation that makes the most sense to me is that Branch does not want to be a Patriot anymore. That's a WAG on my part.

I concur.
And I saw that as The Vinitraitor's desire too. Very noticable to me when Gino interviewed him after the game where he broke Gino's record. Gave NO indication that he gave a rat's ass about his future accomplishments as a Patriot. A very telling interview by what was not said.

The Twig let SB MVP go to his head. Totally.

The Eagles just gave him a market reality check today but he's too self-absorbed to understand.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Didn't want to start another Branch thread, and wasn't sure this was posted. Truth and Rumors says the Patriots are asking 2 number ones for Branch. Seems the Patriots really value the guy.

No, the 2 #1s is just what the tacit value of a franchised NFL player is.

Obviously it's a starting negotiation point. Why would the Pats start by asking low?

Besides they just trade priced him at what his NY scumbag agent blathers he's worth. Put up or shut up.

 

[Pats726]

I wrote this elsewhere, but it really belongs here:


When he returns, I for one will certainly cheer loud and long for the guy. I feel our chances of having a totally dominant offense are greatly enhanced with Mr Branch as our #1 WR. Just think how this offense will look with him out there every game.

I do not blame the guy for trying to maximize his earnings. I feel badly for him that he made what may turn out to be the worst choice in agents ever. I actually think his staying loyal to Jason demonstrates even more so that Deion is a straight up guy. What I see here is a confused individual pledging misguided blind faith to an incompetent player agent.

I also think BB/SP realize these things as well. Their unorthodox way of enabling his agent to find a deal proves just that. They had to come up with a way to show Deion his agent has no clue and has reached a bit too far on his behalf. Maybe, just maybe their ploy will work and Deion will wake up and either fire his agent or take over and insist he gets a deal done.

I still stand by my original Deion comes back date of 9/2.

I think it may depend on when he returns..if it is early OK. that is understandable, but if it's after a certain point..absolutely not. Game 10..NO!! It's fine to wish to "maximize" his potential, if its all greed, I would rather see him elsewhere..that is NOT what the Patriots are all about. Chuyut has totally blown the situation and I am not sure how straight up a guy is who hangs on to one who keeps making BIG mistakes. How straight up is it to follow the leader over a cliff??? I'm noy sure it's a plpy, just smart business. What else are they to do??? What if he sticks with the agent some more..stays out?? I HOPE you are right and that he will return, but maybe he continues to hold out to Game 10. I would like to think Deion would like to be part of this steamroller offense, but so far, he hasn't shown a bit of interest.