msaint Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 didn't show at mandatory camp, wants a better deal, apparently. the pro: they needhim badly, thin at wr. the con: the pats clearly don't hold wr's in as high a regard/value as other positions. should be interesting how this turns out... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 Confirming this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msaint Posted June 13, 2006 Author Share Posted June 13, 2006 Confirming this yes indeed...per rotoworld... Deion Branch - WR - NE - Jun. 13 - 1:10 pm et Patriots coach Bill Belichick confirmed Deion Branch's unexecused absence at Patriots minicamp. Branch is hoping to get a new deal by holding out, but he risks New England ignoring him. They certainly don't value wide receivers as much as defensive tackles like Richard Seymour Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PantherDave Posted June 14, 2006 Share Posted June 14, 2006 Let me get on the horn to that greedy punk, apparently he does not realize I drafted him BECAUSE the Pats were thin at WR. I'll handle this one personally He's not picking up the phone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forever in debt to mo lewis Posted June 14, 2006 Share Posted June 14, 2006 there had been talk in patriot land for quite some time now that the patriots needed to lock up seymour and branch to long term deals.....i cant say that i think deion will get his desired money..hes not the best at his position like seymour is...hell hes not a true #1....but seymour pulled this same move....an "unexcused absence" as belichick deems it....they didnt fine seymour...doubt theyll fine branch...hell show up soon after he feels he made his "statement" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMD Posted June 14, 2006 Share Posted June 14, 2006 Apparently unhappy with his contract status, and at the pace of negotiations aimed at completing a long-term extension, New England Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch was a no-show on Tuesday as the team began a mandatory minicamp and plans to skip the entire three-day event. The team's leading receiver in 2005, and the most valuable player in New England's Super Bowl XXXIX victory, Branch is entering the final season of the original five-year contract he signed as a rookie in 2002. He is scheduled to earn a base salary of $1.045 million in 2006. "I'm not going to talk about anybody who's not here," coach Bill Belichick said. There have been discussions in the offseason about an extension, and New England officials have indicated that signing Branch to a new deal before he becomes eligible for unrestricted free agency after this season is a priority, but the two sides are not close to an agreement. Because he is under contract, Branch can be fined for his absences from the mandatory camp. Agent Jason Chayut on Tuesday morning declined comment. New England lost its other starting wide receiver, David Givens, in free agency this spring when the four-year veteran signed with the Tennessee Titans. The Patriots signed veteran Reche Caldwell away from San Diego and chose Chad Jackson of Florida in the second round of the draft. But, clearly, Branch, who emerged over the past two seasons as Tom Brady's go-to receiver, is a player the Pats want to retain. "Obviously, it's tough not having him here, but that's the business," Brady said. "That gives us a chance to really work on other things." In 2005, Branch posted new career highs in appearances (16), starts (15), receptions (78), yards (998) and touchdown catches (five). For his career, the former Louisville standout has 213 catches for 2,744 yards and 14 touchdowns in 53 appearances, including 42 starts. Branch, 26, has 21 catches in two Super Bowl appearances. In the Super Bowl XXXIX victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, he tied a title game record with 11 receptions for 133 yards. Branch was a second-round choice in the 2002 draft. Last spring, defensive lineman Richard Seymour missed much of the offseason program and skipped the mandatory minicamp. The Patriots eventually upgraded his contract slightly for 2005 and then negotiated an extension with him this spring. "Each situation is different. I'm not in Deion's situation now," Seymour said. "I always remained optimistic and hopeful that it would get done, but I can't speak for anybody else. Deion's a Super Bowl MVP who has been making big plays for us ever since he's been here." Branch's absence left 34-year-old Troy Brown and Caldwell as the top experienced wide receivers at Tuesday's practice. "I don't hold any grudges against him for not being here," Brown said of Branch. "That's between him and the team." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtomicCEO Posted June 14, 2006 Share Posted June 14, 2006 This is a real shame. I don't think a holdout is the best way to accomplish his goal. On the plus side... I have Troy Brown and Chad Jackson. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goopster24 Posted June 14, 2006 Share Posted June 14, 2006 Let me get on the horn to that greedy punk, apparently he does not realize I drafted him BECAUSE the Pats were thin at WR. I'll handle this one personally He's not picking up the phone PD man, let me know if you need any help; I'm in the exact same boat as ya. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgcoach Posted June 14, 2006 Share Posted June 14, 2006 PD man, let me know if you need any help; I'm in the exact same boat as ya. +1 Talk some sence into the man. This could be a good year for him FF wise, if he gets his butt in gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.