Patriots WR Deion Branch has agreed to adjust the final year of his contract a couple days after rejoining the Pats, according to a story by Ron Borges in the Boston Herald.

Branch agreed to bring down the $5.95 million he was supposed to earn in his final year significantly, but with incentives he could still net around $4 million, based on his production.

Borges wrote that the request for the cut in base pay for 2011 wasn't a surprise to Branch because the Patriots will be trying to extend WR Wes Welker's contract. Welker is making $1.9 million this year and set for $2.15 million in 2011.

The way we see it

With Randy Moss gone and lots of youth at the position below Welker, it's crucial for the Patriots to have everything they need when negotiating a long-term deal with one of the top receivers in the game. If Branch made $5.5 million in 2011 with Welker making just over $2 million, that would not help the Patriots in negotiations with Welker. It should be easier now to extend Welker's contract while still keeping Branch happy.