The other shoe to the Randy Moss trade fell when the New England Patriots dealt for Deion Branch.  Just like Moss, the team that originally launched his stardom reacquired Branch’s services, but it will be different this time around.

He’ll be another cog in the machine in New England, not the go-to receiver that he was in the past.  Just like the other Patriot receivers, he will have good games sporadically, but frustrate owners due to their lack of consistency.  If he can somehow rejuvenate his career, he’d be a WR3 – tops.

In Seattle, Branch’s departure gives Deon Butler and Golden Tate the opportunity for more action.  Tate will probably be the better long-term bet, but Butler should claim more targets this year and thus more potential to crack WR3/4 status.

Seattle doesn’t present many top-notch fantasy producers, but at least the situation is getting better.