Branch Would Report If Patriots Promise...

[Dog Face Gremlins211 0]

he Providence Journal reports the agent for WR Deion Branch said yesterday that the wide receiver would report to camp without a new deal if the Patriots promise not to use the franchise tag on him in 2007. Branch is entering the final year of his five-year rookie contract and likely will miss the start of today's training camp because he's unhappy with the Patriots' efforts to give him a new contract. His New York-based agent, Jason Chayut, said: "If (the Patriots) came to me and said, 'Jason, we won't franchise Deion,' I would talk with them every day of the season in good faith to get a long-term deal done." The franchise tag allows teams to maintain control over one player whose contract expires. A franchised player must be paid the average of the top five salaries at his position, but the player gets no bonus money. The franchise number for wide receivers this season is about $6 million. The Patriots' current offer is reported as being just under $6 million over four years. Chayut contends that, if the Patriots are going to come up short of the franchise number with their current offer, they would again in 2007, when it goes up even more. Since they won't pay him that much, they ought to agree not to franchise him. The chances of that happening are remote. The Patriots have never done it.

 

 

http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php

[devildog 0]

He's turning down 23 million or so over 4 years? Dude is crazy, he's not worth that much. A lot of money for a guy who hasn't even had a 1000 yard season yet and is injured 1 out of every 3 games.

[The Shepherd 10]

I think he's trying to save face. This behavior does not befit a Patriot.

[TD Ryan2 316]

Tom Curran put it best in his article yesterday:

 

The franchise number is equal to the salaries of the five highest-paid receivers. I hate to do this because Branch is a terrific receiver, but . . . Marvin Harrison. Chad Johnson. Randy Moss. Steve Smith. Larry Fitzgerald. Anquan Boldin. Torry Holt. There's seven guys better than Branch. There are a few more in his neighborhood.

...

...

To be paid like a free agent you kind of need to be one. If you're coming to the table a year early and asking your team to tear up your deal and give you more money, you ought to understand that you are asking for a favor. You are asking them to ignore a contract that you, the player, signed and, in this case, a contract that Chayut himself negotiated for Branch.

 

 

Also, consider that NE is way under the cap right now (13mil after most recent signings).

They have a considerable chunk of money available for this year... they could EASILY franchise Branch (for 6mil) and still have tons of cap room.

Sounds like the agent is asking NE to take their Trump Card off the table... and I'm not sure that an on-going contract negotiation is what the organization needs through the entire '06 season.

[edjr 6,580]

Tom Curran put it best in his article yesterday:

Also, consider that NE is way under the cap right now (13mil after most recent signings).

They have a considerable chunk of money available for this year... they could EASILY franchise Branch (for 6mil) and still have tons of cap room.

Sounds like the agent is asking NE to take their Trump Card off the table... and I'm not sure that an on-going contract negotiation is what the organization needs through the entire '06 season.

 

Pay the focking kid, this sh!t is getting old fast.

[TD Ryan2 316]

Pay the focking kid, this sh!t is getting old fast.

 

 

pay him what? pay him how much? 5.5 mil isn't enough?

[edjr 6,580]

pay him what? pay him how much? 5.5 mil isn't enough?

 

he just wants a nice signing bonus like every other player would want. has he not earned it?

[The Moz 69]

he just wants a nice signing bonus like every other player would want. has he not earned it?

 

 

He had 2 great superbowl games ( which is great I admit ) -- WTF has he done other than that ? 800 - 900 yards 5 TD's ? yeah the man is a stud

 

Take that money and go out and get a mega WR Free agent next season !

[TD Ryan2 316]

I also find it interesting the Branch is now considering reporting to camp...

 

I have mentioned in previous posts that Branch has made a total of about 2.5mil in his career so far. He is slated to earn another 1mil in the '06 season (500k in salary + 500k in bonus incentives).

 

With fines costing 14k per day, Branch stands to accumulate 500k+ in fines if he misses camp... and HE CAN'T AFFORD THAT! Of course you'll consider coming to camp... you don't really have much of a choice!

 

 

Also, I'm hearing that the deal Branch's agent wants is closer to $7mil per year.

 

 

Again, Deion's a nice player. I want him on the field. And really both sides have no choice but to iron this out. New England needs Deion and Deion needs New England... they BOTH stand to lose too much if this isn't resolved.

[shovelheadt 71]

Tom Curran put it best in his article yesterday:

Also, consider that NE is way under the cap right now (13mil after most recent signings).

They have a considerable chunk of money available for this year... they could EASILY franchise Branch (for 6mil) and still have tons of cap room.

Sounds like the agent is asking NE to take their Trump Card off the table... and I'm not sure that an on-going contract negotiation is what the organization needs through the entire '06 season.

 

I don't understand what you're saying. You brought up how much money they have this year and how they could easily franchise him. But how could they franchise him this year if he's under contract?

 

Also, I don't see how the organization would be affected by the negotiations during the year. It's one dude doing the talking, not the team or staff. I think it would be less of a distraction than it would be if Branch continued to hold out.

 

I agree with whomever said it was the agent that was causing the stress. We've seen countless other negotiations that you never heard anything about till it was already over.

[edjr 6,580]

He had 2 great superbowl games ( which is great I admit ) -- WTF has he done other than that ? 800 - 900 yards 5 TD's ? yeah the man is a stud

 

Take that money and go out and get a mega WR Free agent next season !

 

why does he average 800 - 900 a season with 5 TDs?

 

Couldn't be that Brady throws the ball to 11 other receivers, could it?

 

We just lost Given, ya fock Branch too. Maybe Bill can draft another stud like Bethel Johnson to take their place. Keep drinking the koolaid

[TD Ryan2 316]

I don't understand what you're saying. You brought up how much money they have this year and how they could easily franchise him. But how could they franchise him this year if he's under contract?

 

Maybe they're not talking about Franchising him for this season? (which I thought they were )

 

Maybe they're talking about not using the Franchise Tag for '07 then?

The agent (Chayut) would then end the holdout and know that he can negotiate throughout the season without the Franchise threat looming?

 

and I agree... this is more the agent's fault than anyones.

[edjr 6,580]

Maybe they're not talking about Franchising him for this season? (which I thought they were )

 

Maybe they're talking about not using the Franchise Tag for '07 then?

The agent (Chayut) would then end the holdout and know that he can negotiate throughout the season without the Franchise threat looming?

 

and I agree... this is more the agent's fault than anyones.

 

It's always the agents fault. they make all their money on the signing bonuses

[TD Ryan2 316]

ya fock Branch too.

 

again ed, how much do you want to pay him? 5.5 mil for either 3 (or 5) years isn't enough? that isn't fair?

You keep saying just pay him... pay him top 5 money?

 

 

 

and please keep in mind that the more you dole out to Branch, the less you have to spread around to other positional needs.

[devildog 0]

I've heard that he wants a Reggie Wayne type contract. Wayne got 40 million over 6 years with a 13.5 million signing bonus. If true, see ya Branch.

[edjr 6,580]

again ed, how much do you want to pay him? 5.5 mil for either 3 (or 5) years isn't enough? that isn't fair?

You keep saying just pay him... pay him top 5 money?

and please keep in mind that the more you dole out to Branch, the less you have to spread around to other positional needs.

 

I understand how it works. I know the more they pay branch the less they have for everyone else.

 

Didn't stop them from paying Seymour and Brady.. hmmm I guess different rules for different people. No wonder players hold out. I know it's the way of the NFL for players to hold out, it's the only card they hold. do I think he deserves top 5 money? For any other team, no. For the Patriots? perhaps. He's more valuable to them than anyone else. they NEED branch, they just lost Givens. The need Branch for the next 5 seasons anyway. They could play hardball like they usually do, keep fining him, not give him anything, franchise him next year. When does treating players like this start to affect the Patriots with other players? Everyone knows they are infamous for treating their players this way.

 

I've heard that he wants a Reggie Wayne type contract. Wayne got 40 million over 6 years with a 13.5 million signing bonus. If true, see ya Branch.

 

How much do the colts have tied up between Harrison, Wayne and Manning? That's why they'll never win it all.

[devildog 0]

I understand how it works. I know the more they pay branch the less they have for everyone else.

 

Didn't stop them from paying Seymour and Brady.. hmmm I guess different rules for different people. No wonder players hold out. I know it's the way of the NFL for players to hold out, it's the only card they hold. do I think he deserves top 5 money? For any other team, no. For the Patriots? perhaps. He's more valuable to them than anyone else. they NEED branch, they just lost Givens. The need Branch for the next 5 seasons anyway. They could play hardball like they usually do, keep fining him, not give him anything, franchise him next year. When does treating players like this start to affect the Patriots with other players? Everyone knows they are infamous for treating their players this way.

How much do the colts have tied up between Harrison, Wayne and Manning? That's why they'll never win it all.

 

Seymour and Brady are top 5 at their respective positions, Branch is not.

 

I understand how it works. I know the more they pay branch the less they have for everyone else.

 

Didn't stop them from paying Seymour and Brady.. hmmm I guess different rules for different people. No wonder players hold out. I know it's the way of the NFL for players to hold out, it's the only card they hold. do I think he deserves top 5 money? For any other team, no. For the Patriots? perhaps. He's more valuable to them than anyone else. they NEED branch, they just lost Givens. The need Branch for the next 5 seasons anyway. They could play hardball like they usually do, keep fining him, not give him anything, franchise him next year. When does treating players like this start to affect the Patriots with other players? Everyone knows they are infamous for treating their players this way.

How much do the colts have tied up between Harrison, Wayne and Manning? That's why they'll never win it all.

 

So you want the Pats the follow their lead and overpay Branch?

[edjr 6,580]

Seymour and Brady are top 5 at their respective positions, Branch is not.

So you want the Pats the follow their lead and overpay Branch?

 

Who says it's overpaying? you?

Branch is all they have right now at receiver, the colts had Harrison before they signed Wayne.

[devildog 0]

Who says it's overpaying? you?

Branch is all they have right now at receiver, the colts had Harrison before they signed Wayne.

 

It's overpaying if he's not worth that. You think Branch is worth close to 7 million per year?

[TD Ryan2 316]

I understand how it works. I know the more they pay branch the less they have for everyone else.

 

...

 

How much do the colts have tied up between Harrison, Wayne and Manning? That's why they'll never win it all.

 

 

[edjr 6,580]

It's overpaying if he's not worth that. You think Branch is worth close to 7 million per year?

 

I don't think ANY player is worth 7 mill, but that's a different story.

 

he may want 7, he's not going to get 7.

 

Since when does a player ask for a # and get that #? i'm sure there will be lots of negotiations and he'll get somewhere around 5 to 6.

 

 

Do the Patriots have another WR other than Branch?

[TD Ryan2 316]

i'm sure there will be lots of negotiations and he'll get somewhere around 5 to 6.

 

ed.. just stop... you're babbling without any substance behind your statements.

I don't want to attack you here but you're talking in circles... torredjr....

They've already offered him 5.5mil and it was turned down.

 

 

 

Do the Patriots have another WR other than Branch?

 

 

yes.

but I'm not sure what this has to do with you wanting to pay Branch top 5 money while claiming that you understand how it all works and the Colts will never win because they've overpaid Manning, Harrison, and Wayne.

The Patriots' depth chart and you being a circle talking loon are seperate issues here.

[devildog 0]

I don't think ANY player is worth 7 mill, but that's a different story.

 

he may want 7, he's not going to get 7.

 

Since when does a player ask for a # and get that #? i'm sure there will be lots of negotiations and he'll get somewhere around 5 to 6.

Do the Patriots have another WR other than Branch?

 

The Pats are reportedly offering close to 6 million per year and he's still holding out. Granted we don't know the details, but if that's not even close enough to get him to come to camp on good faith, they must still be pretty far apart.

[Boston 0]

It's becoming pretty apparent that this agent is in over his head. He's trying to get a deal done prior to his free agency so he can cash in (not getting franchised helps the agent as well). If Branch were smart he would boot this clown and hire a professional. It really doesn't sound like the sides are too far apart. It appears to be a case of being paid upfront or being backloaded. It's July so there's plenty of time to hammer this out but since his agent feels he needs to play the hard guy pretty quickly he's making more of a mess than there needs to be.

 

As for the franchise offer I hope the Pats tell him to screw. It's part of the labor agreement the union signed and the Pats should keep this leverage on their side.

[edjr 6,580]

ed.. just stop... you're babbling without any substance behind your statements.

I don't want to attack you here but you're talking in circles... torredjr....

They've already offered him 5.5mil and it was turned down.

yes.

but I'm not sure what this has to do with you wanting to pay Branch top 5 money while claiming that you understand how it all works and the Colts will never win because they've overpaid Manning, Harrison, and Wayne.

The Patriots' depth chart and you being a circle talking loon are seperate issues here.

 

Paying ONE player more than he's worth in the market, because he is in fact worth more to you as a team.

How is that bad? THe colts overpaid 3 players, one in manning that had them by the balls and they had to pay him, because he cares more about his salary than the team winning. Harrison and Wayne? They could have picked one and let the other go. No need to overpay BOTH of them. How is that even remotely close to the patriots slighty overpaying one player that they need?

[Mike MacGregor 20]

Belichick/Pioli: "Um... sure we won't put the franchise tag on you... promise... "

 

Guys, keep in mind when comparing contracts the signing bonus has A LOT to do with it. Lets say for all intents and purposes we felt Branch is equal to Reggie Wayne. Wayne got a $13M signing bonus as part of his 6yr/$40M deal. Average = $7M. If Branch plays this year, then gets franchised to earn a one year salary of $7M he is still very far behind the Wayne deal. Wayne got $13M upfront. If they cut him tomorrow he keeps his $13M. Branch has no security. Basically has to stay healthy and productive for two years, and then negotiate a new contract to hopefully, finally, get some signing bonus money.

 

Not that I agree with the actions here or support players holding out. If these guys really believe in their ability, why did he sign for 5 years as a rookie in the first place? But it seems some people are not considering the different contract structures as being very different, so I wanted to make that point.

[murf74 461]

He's turning down 23 million or so over 4 years? Dude is crazy, he's not worth that much. A lot of money for a guy who hasn't even had a 1000 yard season yet and is injured 1 out of every 3 games.

[Slush Puppy 0]

I understand how it works. I know the more they pay branch the less they have for everyone else.

 

Didn't stop them from paying Seymour and Brady.. hmmm I guess different rules for different people. No wonder players hold out. I know it's the way of the NFL for players to hold out, it's the only card they hold. do I think he deserves top 5 money? For any other team, no. For the Patriots? perhaps. He's more valuable to them than anyone else. they NEED branch, they just lost Givens. The need Branch for the next 5 seasons anyway. They could play hardball like they usually do, keep fining him, not give him anything, franchise him next year. When does treating players like this start to affect the Patriots with other players? Everyone knows they are infamous for treating their players this way.

How much do the colts have tied up between Harrison, Wayne and Manning? That's why they'll never win it all.

 

Manning's cap number is 50% less than Brady's. See Clayton's article on "The Best TEam money can buy" if you don't believe me.

[edjr 6,580]

why did he sign for 5 years as a rookie in the first place?

 

Patriots REFUSE to sign any rookie at the time for less than 5 years, they've uped it to 6 for most players now.

[edjr 6,580]

Manning's cap number is 50% less than Brady's. See Clayton's article on "The Best TEam money can buy" if you don't believe me.

 

you're joking right?

 

What happens when Peytons backloaded contract comes up and he's due 18 million on the cap? 34 million signing bonus, what you don't think they ever have to pay that?

 

Year Base Salary Sign Bonus Cap Value

2005 $ 665,000 $ 8,435,186 QB

2004 $ 535,000 $ 34,500,000 $ 8,304,366 QB

2003 $ 9,824,000 $ 15,360,833 QB

2002 $ 6,298,000 $ 10,334,483 QB

2001 $ 4,452,000 $ 8,487,893 QB

 

Manning's cap numbers: $8.3 million this season, $8.43 million in 2005. If the Colts guarantee roster bonuses of $9 million in '05 and $10 million in '06, then they can treat that money like signing bonus and prorate it over the balance of the contract, helping corral the cap.

 

The contract explodes in value in 2008, when Manning's cap number would exceed $18 million. The Colts could then renegotiate.

 

LINK

 

 

 

Patriots Notebook: Bonus delaying Brady deal BY TOM E. CURRAN

The structure of Tom Brady's $24-million signing bonus is holding up completion of the three-time Super Bowl champion's new six-year contract. Brady, who has two seasons left on his contract, agreed with the Patriots on the parameters of a deal nearly a month ago. Although the six-year, $60-million deal would put Brady in the top tier of quarterbacks, it would still be less money than Peyton Manning and Mike Vick signed for in the last year. Even though he's won three titles and neither Manning nor Vick has been to a Super Bowl, Brady was fine with the Patriots' overall offer. But late in negotiations, the Patriots explained that they wanted to pay Brady his $24-million signing bonus in four installments.

 

LINK

 

 

HTH

[Slush Puppy 0]

Peyton Manning has a $10 million roster bonus in 2007 that was set aside to be turned into a signing bonus. That saves $8 million and gives cap flexibility in 2007.---Clayton

 

While it can be debated forever whether New England's Tom Brady is better than Manning, the salary cap made the decision simple for "The Best Team Money Can Buy." Manning has run one of the league's top offenses since the late 1990s and his cap number is $10.566 million. Brady has a $15.67 million cap hit.

[ROCKET 0]

Edjr, yes it would be complete stupidity to overpay a marginal top 20-25 wr top 10 wr $$. If you're going overpay it better be for a proven stud of which Branch isn't or ever will be. I'd be more than happy to see the Pats keep him at a fair market price of around 5 mil per year given his ability (and 5 mil to me is still too much) . If we're going to break the bank and pay 6/7 mil + a year then it better be for a guy a hell of alot better than Branch.

[edjr 6,580]

Edjr, yes it would be complete stupidity to overpay a marginal top 20-25 wr top 10 wr $$. If you're going overpay it better be for a proven stud of which Branch isn't or ever will be. I'd be more than happy to see the Pats keep him at a fair market price of around 5 mil per year given his ability (and 5 mil to me is still too much) . If we're going to break the bank and pay 6/7 mil + a year then it better be for a guy a hell of alot better than Branch.

 

How many current WR's have a superbowl MVP?

[My Negro! 3]

Branch does not deserve to be a Patriot!

[TD Ryan2 316]

a superbowl MVP?

 

means very little.

[t.j 35]

Guys, keep in mind when comparing contracts the signing bonus has A LOT to do with it. Lets say for all intents and purposes we felt Branch is equal to Reggie Wayne. Wayne got a $13M signing bonus as part of his 6yr/$40M deal. Average = $7M. If Branch plays this year, then gets franchised to earn a one year salary of $7M he is still very far behind the Wayne deal. Wayne got $13M upfront. If they cut him tomorrow he keeps his $13M. Branch has no security. Basically has to stay healthy and productive for two years, and then negotiate a new contract to hopefully, finally, get some signing bonus money.

 

 

If the Pats franchise him at $7M, that $7M is guaranteed, right? So that would mean if he gets franchised, he'll have $7M in security, that's not too bad. There are only two problems with it, from Branch's persepective:

1. if he wants the security now, not next year (but this wouldn't explain why he doesn't want to be franchised next year)

2. if he wants more than $7M in security. (i.e. $13M like Wayne)

 

I think #2 is the main thing that's going on here. I guess he wants Wayne money, or close to it. I don't think he's earned that kind of a contract, though. IMO, if he's been offered a 4-year, $23M deal with an appropriate signing bonus, he should have taken it instead of going through all this.

[jlbay 0]

Patriots REFUSE to sign any rookie at the time for less than 5 years, they've uped it to 6 for most players now.

 

 

This statement is simply fales. By the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement teams that draft players in the 1-16 slots of the first round can (if both sides agree) make the deal for up to 6 years. For the second half of the first round the max length is 5 yrs, all other rookies the max length is 4 years. This is because it takes 4 accrued years to become a free agent and if a non 1st round pick performs at a high level the players want to get to free agency to get a contract that better reflects their performance. But remember these are 2nd rounders and beyond, who typically don't sign huge contracts.

 

So your statement that NE has uped it to 6 for most players is just not possible.

[TD Ryan2 316]

If the Pats franchise him at $7M, that $7M is guaranteed, right? So that would mean if he gets franchised, he'll have $7M in security, that's not too bad. There are only two problems with it, from Branch's persepective:

1. if he wants the security now, not next year (but this wouldn't explain why he doesn't want to be franchised next year)

2. if he wants more than $7M in security. (i.e. $13M like Wayne)

 

I think #2 is the main thing that's going on here. I guess he wants Wayne money, or close to it. I don't think he's earned that kind of a contract, though. IMO, if he's been offered a 4-year, $23M deal with an appropriate signing bonus, he should have taken it instead of going through all this.

 

tj,

 

I believe they're talking about franchising him for NEXT (as in '07) season... not this year.

If he is injured this year, he gets nothing; his contract is up, he can't play (injured) so he doesn't get another contract or get "franchised".

For the Franchise tag and the "security" to kick in, Branch would have to play this season under his current contract and THEN be Franchised for the '07 season.

 

 

And I believe NE offered him deals of both 3 and 5 years... the idea being that a 3 year deal would allow Branch to again test the FA market at 29/30yrs. old. This would only be the first of 2 possible"Big Pay" days that Branch could land in his career.

[t.j 35]

tj,

 

I believe they're talking about franchising him for NEXT (as in '07) season... not this year.

 

Yes I know that. I think you were the only one that didn't.

 

If he is injured this year, he gets nothing; his contract is up, he can't play (injured) so he doesn't get another contract or get "franchised".

 

I realize that, but like I said, it doesn't explain his request that they not franchise him next year.

[DBZFan2K 0]

means very little.

 

Agreed, and it's a poor argument. Desmond Howard, Larry Brown, and Dexter Jackson are examples of players that cashed in after winning Super Bowl MVP, and not doing shiat after that.