Remember the big NFL.com story last year saying Julius Pepperswas headed to New England? Well, the same reporter is sticking to his story today. Vic Carucci writes that the Patriots are still interested in acquiring Peppers.
Contrary to initial reports following New England's playoff exit versus Baltimore, guard **Stephen Neal **is not planning to retire. Neal's agent broke the news to ESPN this week.
And it seems WR **Deion Branch **is open to returning to New England, according to the Boston Herald, who spoke with Branch about a possible reunion with his former team.
The Herald also offers an explanation of why the Patriots haven't severed ties with LB **Adalius Thomas **yet, as many observers expect they eventually will.
