Tyvon Branch signs four-year, $28 million deal with Oakland Raiders – NFL News
Strong safety Tyvon Branch has signed a four-year, $28 million contract with his team Oakland Raiders, different media reports have claimed.
The deal will give Branch at least $26.6 million in four years with $ 17.6 guaranteed. He could also receive additional $1.4 million through incentives.
On March 01, 2012, Branch received a $6.2 million franchise tag, which he signed on May 7, 2012.
Branch was drafted by Raiders in the fourth round (100th overall pick) of the 2008 draft. He was Raiders’ second pick that year after the fourth overall pick Darren McFadden.
He was initially drafted to replace the kick return veteran Chris Carr. Branch was very successful as kick returner, but his play as a strong safety has been truly outstanding.
He has been a starter in Raiders’ last 48 consecutive games, primarily because of his output throughout the last three seasons.
Branch looks to have a more influential role under defensive coordinator Jason Tarver and new head coach Dennis Allen in the upcoming season.
Raiders consider him as one of the leaders in their defence. This long-term deal is very vital for Raiders, as he is one of the few players on the roster who have shown some uniqueness on the field.
He is unique because of the way he handles the league’s top tight ends. He was phenomenal last season against players like Rob Gronkowski, Dustin Keller and Antonio Gates. He gives such a man-to-man coverage only few safeties can produce.
In the 2011 season, he got a total of 109 tackles along with one sack. He has been getting more than 100 tackles for the last three seasons.
As tight ends continue to dominate the game, presence of strong safety like Branch has become extremely important for opposing defences.
This could be the season in which Branch will come into prominence as one of the best defensive players in the league.
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