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.

Patriots released WR Deion Branch. The Pats are going young. In the last two days, they've dumped the dead weight of veteran wideouts Branch, Jabar Gaffney and Donte' Stallworth. Jesse Holley and Kerry Taylor are now in position to stick as backups out wide, with Julian Edelman caddying for Wes Welker in the slot. Branch can no longer separate and doesn't have long speed.

Deion Branch played 73-of-74 snaps in Monday's preseason game against the Eagles. Branch was one of the only Patriots' regulars to see extensive playing time, and he used it to make three catches for 51 yards. Tom Brady was inactive. ESPN Boston believes the performance "would seem to solidify" Branch's standing as the Pats' No. 3 receiver behind Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd.

Deion Branch (undisclosed) hasn't participated in team drills for more than a week.

ESPN Boston says Deion Branch and Donte' Stallworth are battling for one roster spot. Brandon Lloyd, Wes Welker and Jabar Gaffney are all locks for the final roster. Special teams captain Matthew Slater and returner Julian Edelman have specific roles as well. Branch and Stallworth are similarly out of gas, but the former has been slightly more durable and knows the offense better. Whoever wins the battle will need an injury ahead of them to get on the fantasy radar.

Deion Branch is on "solid footing" in terms of his roster spot, according to ESPN's James Walker.

Deion Branch "continues to be unimpressive" in OTAs, relays Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe. "The guy catches everything but his burst is diminishing," adds Bedard. If not for Branch's mind-meld rapport with Tom Brady, it's unlikely he would have been re-signed after fading drastically down the stretch last season. Jabar Gaffney, spending most of his practice time behind Wes Welker in the slot, could begin eating into Branch's reps.

Deion Branch has been returning punts in Patriots OTAs. Returning punts would be an interesting way for Branch to increase his standing in the Pats' crowded receiver corps, though he's returned just seven in his career, and none since 2004. Were Branch to get a long look as a returner, it would be bad news for 2011 returner Julian Edelman. Also battling for a roster spot, Edelman averaged a decent 10.7 yards on 28 returns last season.