AP

Deion Branch said over the weekend that he hoped to return to the Patriots, and now he’s getting his wish.

Branch has returned to the Patriots, Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe reports.

It was a surprise — to Branch and to many NFL observers — when the Patriots released him, and it’s not a big surprise that they’re bringing him back, especially after they released receiver Greg Salas.

Last year Branch started 15 games for the Patriots and caught 51 passes for 702 yards and five touchdowns. He should be able to step in and contribute immediately this year, on an offense that just lost tight end Aaron Hernandez for a few weeks and can use another receiving threat.