For a little less than what it took for the Minnesota Vikings to re-acquire Randy Moss from New England, the Patriots are bringing back a blast from their own past. The Patriots sent a 2011 fourth-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for wide receiver Deion Branch
on Monday. Branch was drafted by the Patriots in 2002 and spent four seasons with them, highlighted by being named the MVP of Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005. He signed a six-year, $39 million contract with the Seahawks in 2006, which turned out to be a huge bust. His time in the Northwest was marred by injuries. He never played a full season and never surpassed 55 receptions or 750 receiving yards in any season. In 2010, Branch has 13 catches in four games for 112 yards and a touchdown.
Fantasy Analysis:
Branch is not a fantasy factor, even with Tom Brady as his quarterback once again. Knee operations have doomed him. I think this acquisition doesn't really impact Brandon Tate, Wes Welker or Aaron Hernandez's potential value for the rest of the season. Branch represents just another warm body for Bill Belichick to use. In Seattle, this is a pretty good deal since Branch definitely doesn't possess fourth-round value. It also allows the team to play their younger wideouts, such as Golden Tate
, more. Still, an investment in the Seattle passing game in re-draft leagues is not a wise one.
