The New England Patriots, who lost receiver Donte' Stallworth for the season Monday days after they signed him, picked up the other on-again-off-again Patriots receiver in Deion Branch Wednesday. (photo: Beth Hart, Flickr)
"Same thing he brought to the team before," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Wednesday, via Patriots.com, when asked about Branch's role. "With Donte’ out, he gives us a good level of experience and knows our system, has played for us and we have confidence in him."
Branch was New England's Super Bowl MVP in 2004 but has lost plenty of steam since, which isn't a surprise, given the veteran is now 33 years old. He was released from the team in the middle of November, though his locker reportedly had been intact all along.
His signing was practical given his familiarity with the system, since, with so many other weapons around him, he'll pretty much just serve as a decoy and provide some depth.
Brady still has Brandon Lloyd to work with, too, and tight end Rob Gronkowski should be making his return in the coming weeks. That, plus a strong running game should see Branch just going along for the ride.
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His signing was practical given his familiarity with the system, since, with so many other weapons around him, he'll pretty much just serve as a decoy and provide some depth.
Brady still has Brandon Lloyd to work with, too, and tight end Rob Gronkowski should be making his return in the coming weeks. That, plus a strong running game should see Branch just going along for the ride.
Follow Nick @NickStDenis
Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily
