Patriots cut WR Deion Branch
According to Adam Schefter the New England Patriots have released veteran wide receiver Deion Branch.
Don't be surprised if Deion Branch is back on the roster next month |
Many speculated during the off season that Branch would be cut by the end of training camp, but that was before the Pats released both Jabar Gaffney and Donte' Stallworth just four days ago.
Branch was signed to a one-year contract earlier this year which included a $250,000 signing bonus, a $150,000 workout bonus, and a vet minimum $925,000 salary. The relatively small contract numbers would indicate that the move was not a financial decision. Branch could also be re-signed by the team after the first week of the season; doing so would mean that his 2012 contract would not be guaranteed.
In 2011 Branch had 51 receptions for 702 yards and five touchdowns. Branch turned 33 in July and appeared to slow down late last season. After starting out with 15 catches for 222 yards in the first two games he had only two games with more than 37 yards after week 6.
Branch ranks 8th all time in Patriots history with 312 receptions, is 9th with 4,152 receiving yards and is 12th with 24 touchdown receptions.
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