PATS SLAP SAMUEL

PATS SLAP SAMUEL

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the New England Patriots have applied the franchise tag to cornerback Asante Samuel.

Samuel has emerged as a quality cornerback, and would have likely drawn plenty of attention in a light free-agent market. Historically, even so-so corners get overpaid in the early days of the league's annual shopping spree; Samuel surely would have cashed in this year.

The use of the tag also sets the stage for another ugly mess between the Pats and one of the team's key players. Last year, the agent for Deion Branch antagonized the front office by grandstanding in the media, and Samuel's agent already has begun that same process this year.

If Samuel accepts the tender, he'll receive a one-year guaranteed salary of $7.79 million.

Where was all this money for Deion Branch?

New year, new cap, new salaries.

They could have kept Branch there this last offseason. They had the funds, were jut stubborn.