It looks like Alan Branch’s time with the Patriots has come to an end.
On Tuesday, Patriots informed the veteran defensive tackle that they will not pick up his option for the 2018 season, according to NESN. That makes Branch and unrestricted free agent.
Had the Patriots exercised this option, Branch would’ve been on the books for $4.55 million. Since they declined, the team will save 3.55 million off their salary cap. Branch will count as a $1 million dead [...]
It looks like Alan Branch’s time with the Patriots has come to an end.
On Tuesday, Patriots informed the veteran defensive tackle that they will not pick up his option for the 2018 season, according to NESN. That makes Branch and unrestricted free agent.
Had the Patriots exercised this option, Branch would’ve been on the books for $4.55 million. Since they declined, the team will save 3.55 million off their salary cap. Branch will count as a $1 million dead cap hit this year.
Up until last season, Branch was successful in his stint with Patriots. He joined the team mid-season in 2014 and by 2015 he was a full-time starter on the defensive line. He started 31 of 32 games between the 2015 and 2016 seasons. In 2016, he was one of the best defensive linemen on the team during their Super Bowl run. That year, he finished with the career high 49 tackles. Last season, however, was different.
Branch started six of 12 games played and finished with just 12 tackles. He was in active for the final three regular season games and all three postseason games. The move on Tuesday was expected.
Team currently has Malcom Brown, Lawrence Guy, Adam Butler and Vincent Valentine under contract at the defensive tackle position. Ricky Jean Francois is an unrestricted free agent.