Your Yearly Deion Branch Rumor (UPDATED)

We seem to get this rumor every year, so it comes as no surprise that it is back in the news since the Moss trade...

"Tom Curran of CSN New England reports that it won't actually be a new face, it'll be a familiar one.

The knee-jerk speculation is that this familiar face belongs to Deion Branch, rumored to be on the block since the offseason. The Pats balked at that point, but the landscape has obviously changed. We're thinking the Seattle Seahawks probably won't get a first-rounder back, however, which was the price they paid to the Pats for Branch back in 2006 (ESPN)."

On paper it makes sense. Brady has always had a soft spot for Branch and was none too happy when he was traded. Plus, the Patriots probably get him for cheap (nothing better then a 4th rounder and that could be pushing it). Still, I just don't see it happening. I really believe the Patriots are going to do nothing. I don't think there is an ace up their sleeve, and they are going to do with the guys they have, but I guess we will see. Like I have said before IF they were going to do a deal it would most likely happen over the this bye week.

***UPDATE***

Maybe this time the rumor actually has some legs to it....

"The source also told the Globe that Brady had been in touch with Branch during the past week because he knew the Moss trade was in the works. And according to the Boston Herald, the Patriots and Seahawks have had preliminary talks about the possibility of a Branch trade.

Branch told the Boston Herald earlier this year he would welcome a return to New England.

"That'd be interesting to see," Branch said. "You know what, I talk to guys all the time. I never wanted to leave, nor did coach [Bill] Belichick and his staff and the organization want me to leave, either. We just couldn't get the contractual part down. We just couldn't come to an agreement. And that stuff happens.

"I still love Coach Belichick and if the opportunity presents itself to come back, I would love to be there (ESPN)."

I guess I should start believing this, but I have been fooled by these rumors every year, so I am going to be stubborn and stick with not believing.