It has been a busy day for Patriots news. First, the Patriots picked up linebacker Akeem Ayers from the Tennessee Titans. Then, it was reported that the Patriots would be without star defensive end Chandler Jones for about a month due to a hip injury.
Now, the Patriots have reportedly added another body to their front seven: they have signed defensive lineman Alan Branch.
Branch, a 6'6 325lbs defensive lineman out of Michigan, was released by the Buffalo Bills back in August following a DUI arrest. The 29 year old has experience in multiple fronts, as both a 4-3 defensive tackle and 3-4 defensive end.
Profootballfocus.com graded Branch as their 10th best 3-4 defensive end in run defense for the Bills in 2013. While he won't make up for the pass rush void left by Chandler Jones, Branch figures to immediately beef up the team's 3-4 base. And considering how teams have run against the Patriots' base defense in recent weeks, Branch is a very welcome addition.