Branch On His Way Out?

Could it be, could the Seattle Seahawks release veteran Deion Branch? It’s something that Eric Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says is possible.

Williams says that Branch will most likely make the team, as its third wide receiver. But then counters that by saying the team is so deep at the position that they may be willing to release him and save themselves a roster spot and $5 million.

The thinking does make some sense, from a financial perspective as well as on the football side of things.

Looking at things financially, do you really want to pay your third wide receiver that much money? If I was a general manager and paying someone $5 million, I’d want them on the field for most of the game. By being a third wide out, I’d assume Branch could be on the field for maybe 65-70% of the plays in a normal offense. That’s just a guess, but is a player on the field that little, worth that much money?

When looking at it from a football stand point, you’d have to assume he’s on the field even less than that.

Under Jim Mora and new offensive coordinator Greg Knapp the team is moving away from former coach Mike Holmgren’s west coast styled offense. The team is utilizing a lot more two tight end formations so far in the preseason. What has this meant? A lot less three and four wide receiver sets.

If your team is using less of those type of sets, should you really pay your third wide receiver starter type money?

Another reason they may not want to pay that? The play of rookie Deon Butler. He’s caught 6 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown. The kid looks like he’s ready to produce. With an injury prone Branch just seeing his first game action this past weekend, I think I’d go with the kid.

If the ‘Hawks do release Branch, he won’t stay unemployed long. I’m sure plenty of teams, especially those run by former Patriot coaches, would jump on the chance to sign him.