Branch a no-show???

[stomperrob]

Deion Branch announced last night he will not show up at the Patriots' training camp on Fri as he is not satisfied with their contract offer and as a result he wiill face a $14,000/day fine!!! The holdout worked for fellow team mate Richard Seymour last year so I guess he figures it's worth a shot.
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/p ... g_to_camp/

[jayday]

I don't usually say this when talking about holdouts....But I can't blame him....When you take a look at his production and his rank among other top receivers in the league, he is playing for peanuts compared to his peers....It's millions of peanuts, but peanuts nonetheless

[Billsbacker]

Branch will do what he feels he must, but he will still be the #1 WR on opening day, and as reliable as a Patriots WR can be.....and he'd have much more justification for a hefty pay raise if someone other than Brady was his QB the last few years....

[ampant]

Honestly, I have to agree with Branch. This isn't a case of a guy whining when he is already being paid tops in the league.

There isn't another WR in the NFL with Branch's production who is paid anywhere close to as poorly as he is. He is barely breaking $1Mil, and half of that came from performance bonuses earned last year.

As far as the new offer they made him . . .

. . . but the deal was heavily backloaded, with more than $9 million of it coming in the final two seasons of the contract, at which time clubs often try to renegotiate.

Dude. That's the key right there. I don't blame him. He's waited long enough to get paid while being an outstanding producer. At least give the guy some of his money up front.

Normally I come down on the other side, but in this case I think he has earned higher pay.

[Kensat30]

I keep getting this feeling that Chad Jackson is gonna emerge in a big way in his rookie year.

[stomperrob]

I keep getting this feeling that Chad Jackson is gonna emerge in a big way in his rookie year.

He certainly has the speed (especially for someone weighing 212) and skill to shine - as for having to learn the offence, they brought in a new offence at Florida last year and he adapted no problem. And with his size he can take the punishment over the middle. Now, if Brady would just quit spreading the ball around so much.

[SniperShot]

Good move by Branch. Pats would be idiots not to give him a better deal.

[Irish_Assassin]

The Patriots are applauded for their frugal spending by most sport writers. Many teams have adopted the Patriot Way. Richard Seymour held out and got his big payday. Branch should be paid his worth.

[loophole21]

I expect Branch to get his pay, especially now that he is the definate number one with Givens gone. I never realized he was making so little. Jeez, he has been their most consistent guy, and has been absolutely huge in the playoffs. The patriots will play hardball also, but he should get his dough.

[mystykoekaki]

C'mon Pats, help a brotha get paid.