Deion Branch Trade Rumors

If you haven’t heard by now, there are several trade rumors involving the Seattle Seahawks and wide receiver Deion Branch.
The rumors surfaced following speculation from the Boston Herald, and continue today — although recent reports suggest any trade talks are preliminary and nothing more.
Ian Rapoport, a beat writer for the Boston Herald who covers the New England Patriots, fueled speculation earlier this morning via Twitter:

Patriots always in discussions with teams. Considering they lost a WR, that’s a focus. 1 team on preliminary talks is Seahawks

Rapoport followed up his initial report on The Boston Herald with an article published today:

But it may be time to add another familiar face to the discussion. The Patriots have been having preliminary talks with the Seahawks concerning former Pats receiver Deion Branch, I’m told.
At this point, the talks are not close and nothing is imminent. It’s more exploratory than anything. But there is no doubt that, within the team, this would be celebrated.
The Branch-to-the-Patriots discussions have been kicking around for a while, with Branch even saying he’d welcome a return recently.
“I still love Coach Belichick,” Branch told the Herald in February, “and if the opportunity presents itself to come back, I would love to be there.”