OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A person familiar with the decision says the Oakland Raiders and safety Tyvon Branch have agreed to a new four-year contract that gives the franchise financial flexibility and the team’s leading tackler the stability he has wanted.
The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the deal had not been officially announced, said Branch was out of the country Saturday and both sides were working to finish the paperwork. CBS Sports reported the deal is worth $26.6 million with $17.1 million guaranteed.
Branch had signed his $6.2 million franchise tag tender May 7. Both sides had until Monday’s deadline for franchise tagged players to reach an agreement on a long-term contract.
Branch, a fourth-round pick in 2008, has started every game the past three seasons and led the Raiders in tackles the past two years.
