Deion Branch has re-signed with the New England Patriots.

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Branch was cut from Patriots’ roster during the final week of preseason, but his name was never removed from the locker.

Schefter writes:

“Patriots reached agreement with WR Deion Branch on a contract expected to be signed Wednesday. Branch expected to return to NE this season.”

The news comes just a few days after tight end Aaron Hernandez suffered an ankle injury. Hernandez could be out for up to four weeks.

Branch, who has played six of his last 10 seasons with the New England Patriots, had 51 receptions for 702 yards and five touchdowns during his last season in New England.

In addition to Deion Branch, the Patriots also signed veteran tight end Kellen Winslow and LB Niko Koutouvides. The team released RB Lex Hilliard, LB Mike Rivera, and WR Greg Salas.

Branch, 33, was originally selected by New England in the second round of the 2002 NFL draft. In 2006, he was traded to Seattle but returned to the Patriots a few years later in 2010.

Patriots Re-Sign Deion Branch & Niko Koutouvides; Sign Kellen Winslow; Release 3: bit.ly/QZNZ9E

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 19, 2012

Are you happy to see Deion Branch back on the Patriots?

Deion Branch Re-Signed By Patriots is a post from: The Inquisitr