According to various reports, the first from CSNNE.com's Mike Giardi, New England has reached a deal on a contract extension with veteran defensive lineman Alan Branch.
Reports have indicated that Branch will sign a two-year deal worth $12 million to remain with the Patriots.
The 32-year-old Branch is coming off a very impressive season in New England in which he helped lead the NFL's No. 3 rush defense by starting all 16 games. He finished the year with 49 tackles, while adding 1.5 sacks, two QB hits, three passes defensed and a forced fumble. Branch made key tackles for a loss seemingly each week and appeared to very much enjoy himself, dancing after big plays and celebrating PATs/field goals with each of the three skill members of the kicking game.
During the season Bill Belichick called Branch his team's most consistent defensive tackle.
Branch is a veteran of 10 seasons, the last three in New England, where he's started 31 of the 32 games he's played in over the last two years.
