Free agent Deion Branch is unlikely to be re-signed by the Patriots after the team drafted two receivers this weekend.

Branch, 34 in July, caught 16 passes for 145 yards in ten games for the Patriots last season, and he may be nearing the end of the road. New England hopes second-round pick Aaron Dobson and fourth-rounder Josh Boyce can stabilize its receiving corps where they won't need Branch's phone number as insurance any longer.

Deion Branch caught two passes for 15 yards in New England's AFC title game loss to the Ravens.

They were Branch's only two grabs of New England's two game playoff run. Shuttled between the street and New England's 53-man roster this season, Branch posted just 16 catches for 145 yards in 10 games. Six months shy of his 34th birthday, Branch won't be more than a back-up option for the Patriots in 2013.

Deion Branch caught four passes for 37 yards in New England's Week 15 loss to the 49ers.

Branch was targeted five times in a game where Tom Brady attempted an astounding 65 passes, but wasn't any bigger part of the offense than he was before his relief. Even in New England's prolific offense, there's no fantasy value here.

The Boston Globe confirms the Patriots will re-sign WR Deion Branch to replace the injured Donte' Stallworth.

That was quick. The Pats had released Branch twice since August because he struggles to separate from cornerbacks at age 33. On the positive side, he's schooled in Josh McDaniels' offense and has complete trust from Tom Brady. Branch will likely jump right into the third receiver role, though he is without fantasy value down the stretch.

Patriots waived WR Deion Branch.

Branch was among the Patriots' final cuts coming out of the preseason but was later re-signed prior to Week 3. The 33-year-old caught just nine passes for 80 yards in seven games of spot work. Branch could be nearing the end of a solid career in which he was part of two Super Bowl championships along with being the Super Bowl MVP in 2004. New England also waived DB Malcolm Williams to make room for CB Aqib Talib and WR Greg Salas. Branch was listed on the Week 11 injury report with a hamstring injury which led to his release.

Deion Branch caught two passes for 11 yards in the Patriots' Week 3 loss to the Ravens on Sunday Night Football.

Re-signed five days ago, Branch drew three targets. Although Tom Brady is surely happy to have Branch back as an underneath security blanket, he's out of sight, out of mind in fantasy leagues.

Patriots re-signed WR Deion Branch.

When asked if he would return to the Patriots if they offered him a roster spot, free agent wide receiver Deion Branch said he "would love to be back."

"I'd embrace it and pick up right where I left off at," added Branch. The recently released 33-year-old Branch has made no known free agent visits since being let go on August 31st. His chances of returning to New England may have taken a hit when the team acquired Greg Salas from St. Louis prior to Week 1. Branch should be able to find somewhere to play at some point this season.

According to the Miami Herald, the Dolphins have "passed on" working out free agent Deion Branch.

The Dolphins haven't been connected to Branch since his release from the Pats, and it doesn't sound like they will be going forward. It could be taken as a poor sign for Branch's future that the league's receiver-neediest team isn't interested in his services, but a deal wouldn't be terribly sensible for either side. Branch shouldn't go unsigned this season.

CSN New England reports the Patriots and free agent Deion Branch have mutual interest in a new deal.

There were whispers when Branch was released that he'd be brought back after Week 1, but those chances seemed to take a hit when the Patriots acquired Greg Salas. Nevertheless, the Pats rarely make the obvious call on personnel decisions, so Branch re-signing in the very near future should be considered a distinct possibility.