Adam Schefter reports that the Patriots have signed wide receiver Deion Branch to a one year deal. Branch was the Patriots #2 receiver last season and has a fantastic rapport with quarterback Tom Brady.
Branch produced at a high level, but saw a sharp decline in his numbers once teams started playing tighter coverage. Branch is still a solid option, but can no longer be relied on as a #2 target. Luckily for Branch and the Patriots, they have signed receiver Brandon Lloyd to be a #2.
Should the 32-year-old Branch (will be 33 at season's start) find a niche as a #3 receiver on the team, the Patriots will have fully bolstered their offense.
Branch joins Wes Welker, Lloyd, Julian Edelman, Tiquan Underwood, Chad Ochocinco, Donte Stallworth, Anthony Gonzalez, Matthew Slater, and Britt Davis as wide receivers on the roster. If the Patriots draft a receiver (as expected in this deep draft), there will be fantastic competition entering camp.
Signing Branch is a great move for the Patriots.