Deion Branch signs with Patriots (one year deal)(merged)

[pork3]

Not entirely a surprise, but how many receivers do we now have on our roster (I've lost count...).

Schefter reports one year deal.

Schefter: Branch back in fold - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

-Jamman

 

[EJ Blitz]

Deion Branch signs one-year deal.

Twitter

What are your thoughts?

I like the guy, he's a nice guy, but why are we signing these WRs earlier in the week, just to bring back Branch. Are we in that dire need of competition? I'm assuming at least two WRs that got signed earlier won't be around for long.

 

[EJ Blitz]

Re: Deion Branch signs one-year deal.

sweet, my first thread in a year, and already a repost...

 

[BrickPat]

Branch has slowed down quite a bit and seemigly disappeared some games last season to the point you were surprised to hear his name. Having said that he is more reliable and knows the system better than MuchoStinko.

 

[BradyBranch39]

Partyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!

 

[patsfan13]

Caught 51 passes last year, will compete for a reserve role. Hope he makes the roster.

 

[Deus Irae]

So there it is. Welker, Lloyd and a bunch of one-and-done receivers. That should, IMO, mean that a WR will be taken high in the draft, so that he can learn behind whichever veterans make the team.

 

[Fixit]

Here's to a successful farewell tour! :eat2:

 

[JDot]

Training camp is going to be interesting at the WR position.

 

[pork3]

So there it is. Welker, Lloyd and a bunch of one-and-done receivers. That should, IMO, mean that a WR will be taken high in the draft, so that he can learn behind whichever veterans make the team.

And hopefully it's not another Chad Jackson/Taylor Price/Bethel Johnson redux. It's sad when you see former Patriot WR draftees in the CFL or the UFL.
Please, if there's a football god, let it be so...

-Jamman

 

[Tunescribe]

I'm happy about this. I hope he makes it and lends further stability to our veteran WR corps.

Lloyd
Branch
Welker
Gonzalez
Edelman
Slater/Underwood/TBA?

 

[JohnHannahAlabama]

Its not a sure thing he makes the team. He could be cut in training camp if there is no guaranteed money

 

[letekro]

So there it is. Welker, Lloyd and a bunch of one-and-done receivers. That should, IMO, mean that a WR will be taken high in the draft, so that he can learn behind whichever veterans make the team.

One on the outside fairly early and hopefully Broyles or someone later on as Welker insurance.

 

[JackBauer]

IMO, a receiver in the draft is a must as we're still one injury away from one of the worst receiving corps in the league.

Ideally someone steps up and bumps Branch off, as I'd really like to get younger at the position.

 

[BelichickFan]

I'm happy about this. I hope he makes it and lends further stability to our veteran WR corps.

Lloyd
Branch
Welker
Gonzalez
Edelman
Slater/Underwood/TBA?

I expect we'll see :

Lloyd
Welker
Branch

for sure unless Welker is traded which I still think is possible but I'll assume not.

Then two of :

Gonzalez
Stallworth
Ocho Cinco
Underwood

That's 5.

We usually keep 5, sometimes 6.

I think we'll keep Edelman as "a player". WR/DB/Returner.

As for draftees I could see one on the team if we keep 6 WR of if we keep less than two from the second group.

 

[Rob0729]

Branch's best role would be a #3 WR coming off the bench. I am guessing Gonzalez and Stallworth are long shots to make the roster. None of these guys are special teamers so only one will likely stay.

 

[ATippett56]

Deion Branch | Wide Receiver

Team: New England Patriots
Ht / Wt: 5'9" / 195
Age / DOB: (32) / 7/18/1979
College: Louisville

Deion Branch - New England Patriots - 2012 Player Profile - Rotoworld.com

 

[Uncle Rico]

Caught 51 passes last year, will compete for a reserve role. Hope he makes the roster.

... for 702 yards; more than I and probably many others would have guessed. OTOH, 15 of those catches and 222 of those yards came in the first two games.

 

[Rob0729]

IMO, a receiver in the draft is a must as we're still one injury away from one of the worst receiving corps in the league.

Ideally someone steps up and bumps Branch off, as I'd really like to get younger at the position.

I disagree about this being one injury away from being one of the worst receiving corps. If you count Gronk, Hernandez, and Fells; the Pats arguably have one of the best receiving corps in the league. You don't count the TEs and this receiving corp is above average.

That said, I think the Pats need to draft a WR or two. I just wouldn't do it in the first or possibly the second round.

 

[mgteich]

I agree with your analysis. I presume that you are counting Slater as a STer and not as a receiver.

Of course, the elephant in the room is Welker.

I expect we'll see :

Lloyd
Welker
Branch

for sure unless Welker is traded which I still think is possible but I'll assume not.

Then two of :

Gonzalez
Stallworth
Ocho Cinco
Underwood

That's 5.

We usually keep 5, sometimes 6.

I think we'll keep Edelman as "a player". WR/DB/Returner.

As for draftees I could see one on the team if we keep 6 WR of if we keep less than two from the second group.