Branch Has Deal with Jets, Seahawks

New England Patriot wide receiver Deion Branch has reached a tentative agreement with the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks on a long-term deal.

Neither team has been able to come to an agreement with New England and if nothing happens by the 4 p.m. deadline today, Branch will remain a Patriot. Branch has been a no-show throughout all of training camp and last week, the Pats gave him permission to seek a trade with other teams.

It's believed that none of the suitors involved with Branch are willing to offer the Patriots more than a second-round draft choice. New England is seeking a first-round pick and perhaps a middle-round choice as well.

Deep down, New England gave Branch permission to seek a trade in the hopes of breaking the stalemate between Branch and the club. In truth, the receiving corps is deadly thin and losing Branch, the teams only legitimate number one threat, could cause serious problems in the Patriot offense.

People close to Branch insist that he will not back down and will report to the Patriots only for the final six games of the season, enough to earn an accrued year toward the pension, and to qualify him for unrestricted free agency next spring.

This is really a lose-lose situation for both parties. New England needs his skills and QB Tom Brady wants his top target back. On the other hand, Branch could be hurting himself, not only physically but financially, if he holds out until the final six games of the season.

New England could suspend him like Philadelphia did Terrell Owens last season, leaving Branch with zero pay for 2006. It is believed that, at some point in the offseason, the Patriots offered two extension proposals: a three-year deal worth $18.75 million with $8 million of that guaranteed, and a five-year extension at $31 million, with $11 million in bonuses.

Branch is coming off a career year in 2005, when he had 78 receptions for 998 yards and five touchdowns. For his career, Branch has 213 catches for 2,744 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has appeared in 53 games and logged 42 starts. He earned most valuable player honors in Super Bowl XXXIX when he tied a title game record with 11 receptions, netting 133 yards.


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