Patriots Re-Sign Branch, Koutouvides

The Patriots confirmed earlier reports of the re-signing Deion Branch on Wednesday. The team also signed LB Nike Koutouvides and agreed to terms with TE Kellen Winslow.

The New England Patriots signed tight end Kellen Winslow, wide receiver Deion Branch and linebacker Niko Koutouvides.

Branch, 33, caught 51 passes for 702 yards and five touchdowns last season.

For his career, Branch has 502 catches for 6,499 yards and 39 touchdowns.

He's a former Super Bowl Most Valuable Player.

Winslow was signed due to Aaron Hernandez being out with a sprained right ankle for the next few games.

Winslow was cut by the Seattle Seahawks prior to the start of the season.

Winslow, 29, caught 75 passes for 763 yards and two touchdowns last season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

For his career, Winslow has 437 catches for 4,836 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Koutouvides was released by the team at the end of August.

To create roster spots for the trio of veterans, New England cut linebacker Mike Rivera, running back Lex Hilliard and wide receiver Greg Salas.

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