Patriots Insider has been reporting recently the Deion Branch saga will likely end with the Patriots former No. 1 receiver being traded to another team. Today news emerged that Branch indeed has been traded. The Seattle Seahawks upped their offer from a second round selection to a first round pick just a day after they escaped with a 9-6 victory over the Detroit Lions on opening weekend. Seattle's inability to score a touchdown was believed to be motivation behind the deal.
Branch, who had a grievance hearing scheduled this week, got his wish of moving on to a club willing to pay him close to Reggie Wayne money. Although, terms of Branch's new deal weren't immediately available, Branch's agent reportedly negotiated a contract worth roughly $39 million over 6 years with $13 million in guaranteed money before the season opener. That deal reportedly included a second round pick as compensation for the Patriots. New England turned the offer down, which led to Branch's side filing a greivance.
The 2004 Super Bowl MVP was a chosen by the Patriots in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft (65th overall). The former Louisville product ends his four-year career in New England with 213 receptions for 2,744 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Talk about the Branch Trade… and let us know if you think the Pats are "screwed" as many fans have put it.