Deion Branch played 34-of-42 snaps with the first-team offense Saturday but did not see a single target. Branch remains the third man in all three-wide sets, a package that the Patriots run as their base. But he has zero catches in two preseason starts thanks in large part to Chad Ochocinco's arrival. Branch will need an injury in front of him to have a real pass-catching role.

ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss suggests a wide receiver trade would be a more realistic option closer to the October deadline than this summer. Reiss believes the Pats would be more open to a trade if Deion Branch shows signs of slowing or if Brandon Tate, Julian Edelman, and Taylor Price prove unready to make significant contributions this season. Veterans Steve Smith, Vincent Jackson, and Chad Ochocinco have been connected to the Patriots at various points this offseason.

Deion Branch said he felt "rejuvenated" by his midseason trade back to the Patriots last season. Branch played the final 11 games of the season with the team that drafted him, averaging 4.3 catches for 64.1 yards with five touchdowns. It was more production that he showed in any of his four-plus seasons with the Seahawks. Branch will start opposite Wes Welker come Week 1, but we likely have seen his ceiling as he enters his age-32 season.