Cardinals reach agreement with DB Tyvon Branch
Mar 9, 2016, 1:43 PM | Updated: Mar 10, 2016, 1:50 pm
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Tyvon Branch (27) returns an interception fromOakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015. The Chiefs won 34-20. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
The Arizona Cardinals have signed free agent safety Tyvon Branch to a two-year contract.
FoxSports NFL insider and columnist Mike Garafolo was the first to report the Cardinals were bringing in defensive back Branch for a visit with the hopes of signing him. That visit led to agreement talks, and by Thursday it was announced and finalized.
Former Chiefs safety Tyvon Branch reached agreement with Arizona Cardinals, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016
It was reported the two-year deal is for up to $10 million, with $5 million guaranteed.
Branch, 29, collected 43 total tackles, one interception and one sack last year for Kansas City. He spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Oakland Raiders. In eight NFL seasons, the former fourth-round pick has 519 total tackles, five interceptions, nine sacks, three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
The 6-foot, 200-pound Branch was clocked at 4.31 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the 2008 NFL Combine, and he was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 13 last season after collecting four total tackles and a pick-six in a win over the Raiders.
Tyvon Branch allowed just 94 yards and 0.19 yards per cover snap, outside of the Week 3 game vs Green Bay. pic.twitter.com/kFpJUbBsAf
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) March 9, 2016
The Cardinals are looking to add to a secondary that was the strength of their defense last season. However, safeties Tony Jefferson and Rashad Johnson as well as cornerback Jerraud Powers are free agents (Jefferson restricted).
Johnson will visit the Tennessee Titans, according to Aaron Wilson.
