Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe has a story about center Russ Hochstein signing a contract extension through 2008. Reis reports that Hochstein's base salaries will be $600,000 in 2006, $600,000 in 2007 and $730,000 in 2008. Reiss also offers up his daily sports blog with updated Patriots notes.
Michael Felger of the Boston Herald reports that receiver Deion Branch may follow Richard Seymour's lead from a year ago and skip next week's mini-camp because Branch and the Patriots have yet to agree on a new contract. Felger cites a source close to Branch who says the receiver is looking for guarantees in the neighborhood of $12 million.
Felger also has a piece on free agent cornerback Ty Law. He says a decision should be coming from Law shortly and the Patriots are also interested in recently released Seattle receiver/special teamer Alex Bannister.
The Boston Herald's John Tomase talks about Branch and the Bethel Johnson/Johnathan Sullivan trade in his daily blog.
Gayle Fee and Laura Raposa of the Boston Herald have a story up on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady meeting with former U.S. Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton at the annual George Bush Cape Arundel Classic in Kennebunkport, Maine. CBS Sports anchor Jim Nantz also attended the event.
Eric McHugh of The Patriot Ledger talks about the trade that brought defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan to New England. McHugh looks at some of the problems Sullivan had in New Orleans - including spending too much time in the buffet line - and says his presence could be bad news for Dan Klecko.
