The league cleared the New York Jets of tampering chargers alleged by the Patriots regarding the Jets talks with Deion Branch when the Patriots wideout staged a holdout starting in the 2006 preseason.
New England had granted Branch permission to discuss terms of a contract with other teams, but discussions were not to include what a team would offer in trade. The Patriots claimed the Jets told Branch what New York would offer.
The Jets offered a second-round pick. Branch eventually went to Seattle for a first-rounder in the upcoming 2007 NFL Draft.