Patriots pick up option on DL Alan Branch

Well, it couldn't be a more obvious choice. I assume detroit's offering Hicks more, so what does he value?

Pats signing depth in Kearse. Any upside there?

Obvious move was obvious. Branch played way beyond his contract last year. Don't know what the run defense would have been like without him, especially after Easley went down. Great that he's in a contract year. All good.