Branch wants to return to Patriots

Deion Branch's season didn't end the way he wanted it with the New England Patriots losing in the Super Bowl to the New York Giants Sunday night.

Branch is hoping the ending of his career will have his preferred outcome - as a Patriot for at least one more year, according to ESPNBoston.com.

Branch, an 11-year veteran, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, and the receiver position would appear to be in flux in New England, where the lack of a true deep threat was exposed by the Giants defense Sunday night.

In addition to Branch, Wes Welker is also a free agent (though he could be franchised), as is special teams captain and backup receiver Matthew Slater. Chad Ochocinco failed to impress this season and could be released, meaning the Pats could have several new faces next year in the receiver meeting room.