Indianapolis Colts Sign Former Patriot Deion Branch

Dec 16, 2012; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch (84) reacts during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis, IN – The Indianapolis Colts have made a move to help their wide receiver depth by signing former New England Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch. This move comes just five days before the Colts will face off against the Patriots in the divisional round of the playoffs. Branch was brought in last month for a workout with the team and performed well enough for the Colts to end up giving him a contract.

Branch is 34 years old and doesn’t have too much left in the tank, but he will add a great veteran presence for this young Colts team. He last played with the Patriots in 2012 and finished the season with 16 catches for 145 yards in 10 games. The only time that Branch has played against the Patriots was when he was with the Seattle Seahawks in 2008.

It remains to be seen what kind of role Branch will have in the offense, if he has any at all. The Colts have talented young receivers in T.Y. Hilton, Da’Rick Rogers, Griff Whalen, and Lavon Brazill, but the veteran could very well be called upon if any injury concerns come up. At the very least he’s a player who has won in his career, and is a former Super Bowl MVP. The experience that he brings to the young roster will be very valuable.

The Colts did lose both Greg Toler and Fili Moala for the season and placed them on injured reserve. Another roster move that was made today was elevating receiver Josh Lenz to the active roster from the practice squad.

Evan Massey is an Editor for Naptown’s Finest. Follow Evan on Twitter at @Massey_Evan.