Michael Giardi reports that the Patriots are finalizing a two-year contract with veteran DT Alan Branch.
Branch, 31, is a former second-round pick of the Cardinals back in 2007. He spent four years in Arizona before brief stints with the Seahawks and Bills.
The Patriots elected to sign him to a two-year, $4.3 million contract in March of 2015. He’s now in position to test the open market as an unrestricted free agent.
In 2016, Branch has appeared in all 16 games for New England and recorded 49 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and three pass defenses.