Trading Deion Branch this offseason becomes easier for the Seahawks if other NFL teams think Seattle plans to keep the veteran receiver.

That's why it's no surprise when general manager John Schneider says the Seahawks have no plans to release Branch.

Tom Curran of csnne.com indirectly quoted Schneider on the matter via the Chicago Tribune's Dan Pompei, but I initially couldn't find the Pompei quote anywhere online. Turns out Pompei made the comments to ESPN's First Take (see video below).

"There had been speculation the Seahawks would be cutting Branch, but new GM John Schneider tells me that is not the case," Pompei told First Take. "Schneider said he believes the wideout does have value to the Seahawks, but did not rule out the possibility of trading the veteran. Branch enhanced his value by finishing the season strong and the new coaching staff thinks he would fit perfectly in Jeremy Bates' offense as a slot receiver. Schneider praised Branch's lower-body power and ability to get yards after the catch. Now, the only knock on the 30-year-old is he has not always stayed healthy in recent years."

I'm sure Seattle fans could find another knock or two, but that isn't the point here. Schneider appears to be creating value for a player the Seahawks would happily trade if the right offer came along.

Branch stands to collect $5.47 million in salary for 2010. I suspect Branch will earn less than that one way or another. If the Seahawks release Branch, another team would sign him for less money. If the Seahawks trade Branch, the acquiring team would probably want to reduce that salary.

I'm not sure whether Branch is a "perfect fit" for the Seahawks' new offense. He was a perfect fit in the offense New England and Denver run, at least when Tom Brady was his quarterback. Branch would seem to have more value for those teams. Whether the value is strong enough to spark a trade remains to be seen.