Patriots expected to sign DL Alan Branch

Apparently he is signed, but with the scandalous late-gate and hurtmyfeelings-gate do not see it reported anywhere..

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...ch-new-england-patriots-agree-to-oneyear-deal

Hope he plays well. We need some size.

If Branch is sobered up and in football shape, he could be a hell of a garbage heap pick-up. This team seems to make those every so often. He could go a very, VERY long way to helping our run defense.

KontradictioN said:

If Branch is sobered up and in football shape, he could be a hell of a garbage heap pick-up. This team seems to make those every so often. He could go a very, VERY long way to helping our run defense.

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I agree. Branch has been a very good run stuffer with versatility to play inside or outside for the past 3 years. He could bomb for personal reasons, but he could also be a really good pick up.

If Branch has truly been signed (no official word from the Pats yet and he's not practicing) then he could make up for the loss of Mayo in the Run Defense provided he keeps his nose clean and does his job.. An inside 4 rotation of Wilfork, Walker, Branch, and Siliga would go a long way to solidifying the run defense.

he is signed..but not at practice?

Apparently a PS player that had #97 no longer has it. So one could assume Branch will wear #97

This deal may have been made this summer (after Kelly's release). A game nine start date, if after getting in shape and with no further incidents. Along with three weeks "training camp". A little bit like Gerald Warren.

If Branch was indeed at practice, there would need to be a cut by 4PM to make room for him on the roster, presumably Barker.

if he can still play he and Akeem Ayers should really help the run defense by the end of the year

patsfan-1982 said:

if he can still play he and Akeem Ayers should really help the run defense by the end of the year

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If they can play, Branch and Ayers will help the run defense by the end of the bye.

Clearly, if they can play, we will be better for the playoffs, with Jones and Siliga back.

He appeared in locker room by numerous tweets. Not talking to press.

Mack Herron said:

He appeared in locker room by numerous tweets. Not talking to press.

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I just hope some conniving writer doesn't invite him out for drinks to get him to talk

Mack Herron said:

He appeared in locker room by numerous tweets. Not talking to press.

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Doug Kyed reports it on twitter. Ayers to wear #52 (James Morris switching to #49), Branch #97.

https://twitter.com/DougKyedNESN

quick someone get him a baconator to make him talk!

Let's hope we don't name THIS Branch, The Twig.

If his head is into it, very good addition.

Maybe he just got drunk and stumbled into the Patriots locker room

Branch sighting. The Patriots have not officially announced the signing of defensive tackle Alan Branch, but he was spotted in the locker room wearing a Michigan Wolverines sweatshirt and aDetroit Tigers baseball cap. Branch would not talk with the media. He also looks as big as his bio says -- 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds -- if not bigger.

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4770781/pats-locker-room-leftovers-2

This seems a bit strange if Branch is practicing. He should be signed.