Wide receiver Deion Branch has signed a one-year deal to keep playing with the New England Patriots in 2012. Branch had initially wanted a multi-year deal but found no interest on the market. Branch, who turns 33 in July, was respectable in 2011, catching 51 passes for 701 yards and five touchdowns. However, he also played three games last season in which he was shut out.

Fantasy Analysis:

Frankly, Branch is fortunate to make his way back to New England after the Pats signed Brandon Lloyd to a deal and also brought in Anthony Gonzalez and Donte' Stallworth. He'll have a couple of weeks where you think it would be a smart move to pick him up, but don't be fooled. Branch may now be the No. 5 option in the Patriots' passing game behind Lloyd, Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, and Aaron Hernandez. And for as long as Branch has been playing, he has topped 800 yards and four touchdowns in a season just once.