The quarterback has been in touch with Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Deion Branch about a return to the Patriots, *The Boston Globe* reported Friday.
According to The Globe, Branch plans to meet with Seahawks general manager John Schneider regarding his future with the team.
Branch, who was selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft and was the MVP of Super Bowl XXXIX, played in New England from 2002 to 2005. He was traded to Seattle in 2006 in return for a first-round draft pick.
Branch has 13 catches for 122 yards and one touchdown this season, but he has struggled to emerge in the Seahawks' offense. He had 45 receptions for 437 yards and two touchdowns in 2009, his most productive season with the team.
The Patriots, who are searching for receiver help after they traded Moss back to the Minnesota Vikings, held preliminary talks with the Chargers about a deal that would send holdout Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins to San Diego and bring disgruntled wide receiver Vincent Jackson to Foxborough, Comcast SportsNet New England reported Thursday, citing a source.
However, the television station added that a San Diego media source said the Chargers aren't interested in dealing for Mankins.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
