The New England Patriots have signed defensive tackle Alan Branch to a two-year deal, per Branch's agent.
Congrats to Alan Branch on agreeing to return to the world champion @patriots. This is a great fit & his best football is coming in '15!
— Blake Baratz (@blakebaratz) March 14, 2015
Alan Branch returns to Pats on a two-year deal with a max value of $6.6 million.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 14, 2015
The 6'6, 325 lbs Branch was a mid-season pick-up after the Bills cut him the day after a DUI.
Branch was a positive run defender and did a great job as part of a rotation. He offers value in both the 3-4 and 4-3 fronts due to his massive size. He will likely pair with Sealver Siliga in run defense packages.
This signing does not signal the end of Vince Wilfork, but it shows the price range the Patriots will likely be willing to spend on the captain. Wilfork has three 2-year, $10 million deals on the table. If New England is willing to spend up to $3.3 million per year on Branch, then they'll likely have more money on the table.
The 30-year-old Branch is a quality pick-up at this point in the off-season. Welcome back, Alan.