Branch looks rooted
SEATTLE – Would the New England Patriots trade Deion Branch if the receiver could find someone willing to pay him?
So far the evidence suggests not.
Branch remained with New England on Friday amid online media reports that his representatives had agreed on contract details with the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks.
The Patriots, unable to reach a deal to keep Branch in New England beyond this season, had given the fifth-year receiver until 1 p.m. Friday to solicit offers from other teams.
All parties declined comment except for the Patriots, who refused to elaborate on a brief statement: “No trade has been consummated. Deion Branch remains under contract to the New England Patriots.”
The Seahawks’ interest in Branch is consistent with their approach to personnel under president Tim Ruskell.
Earlier this year, the Seahawks spent draft choices in acquiring receiver Nate Burleson and safety Mike Green.
The team also attempted to land defensive end John Abraham from the Jets, only to have the Atlanta Falcons get him.
Ruskell hasn’t been afraid to get rid of players, either. He released one every 5.5 days on average between May 30 and Aug. 10.
Branch, 27, would give Seattle insurance at a position of some uncertainty.
Top receiver Darrell Jackson has had two knee surgeries in the last year, and he hasn’t practiced since February. Jackson has also complained about his contract, raising questions about his standing with the organization.
Branch’s future appears much murkier. He has one year remaining on the contract he signed as a second-round choice (65th overall) from Louisville in 2002, a deal he has outplayed.
The former Super Bowl Most Valuable Player finished last season with a career-high 78 receptions. He ranked 20th in the league with 998 yards and tied for 22nd with 13 receptions of 20-plus yards.
Branch has threatened to sit out until November.
Greene finds way
David Greene’s performance against the Oakland Raiders Thursday exceeded anything Seattle’s third-team quarterback had accomplished in two summers with the team.
“It wasn’t until this year at training camp that I felt good and comfortable and more at ease just playing ball,” the former University of Georgia standout said.
Quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn has helped Greene overhaul the way he stands when he throws the ball.
Greene said he developed an upright delivery while playing from the shotgun formation in college.
“I was playing way too high when I first got here and I wasn’t near as accurate,” Greene said. “(Zorn) kind of told me to sit down. I’ve gained a lot more confidence because I’m becoming more accurate.”
Greene said no one had stressed fundamentals to him before his arrival in Seattle.
“You almost go backwards before you can get back and start going forward again,” he said.
Greene completed 13 of 19 passes for 144 yards against the Raiders. He led a 16-play, 90-yard touchdown drive.
Safety tries out
Veteran safety Brent Alexander tried out with the Seahawks this week. The team could have a need at the position after losing Mike Green to a season-ending foot injury.
Alexander, 35, has played in 192 consecutive games, the fourth-longest streak among active non-kickers.
He has started every game for eight seasons in a row, most recently for the New York Giants.
Ken Hamlin and Michael Boulware are the starting safeties for Seattle. The team moved Jordan Babineaux from cornerback to safety after losing Green. Babineaux appeared to play well in the exhibition finale against Oakland.
Roster deadline looms
NFL teams have until today at 1 p.m. PDT to reduce their rosters to 53 players. The Seahawks can get to that number by releasing 21 players and placing Green on injured reserve. Seattle could carry an extra running back and tight end until the team knows whether injured players Leonard Weaver and Itula Mili will be available for the season opener Sept. 10.That would affect how many players the team keeps at other positions.