Patriots Make Moves Prior To Free Agency
Free agency in the NFL begins today at 4pm when the leagues new fiscal year starts. In preparation for today the New England Patriots have made some roster decisions.Defensive tackle Alan Branch helped the Patriots win a Super Bowl two years ago and followed that up with 35 tackles and 2 sacks last year. For his efforts the team picked up his $400,000 dollar bonus yesterday which kicks in the final year of his contract for this season.
The 31 year old Branch started 15 of the teams 16 games last year playing beside rookie Malcom Brown.
The team has also re-signed fullback James Devlin to a one year deal. Devlin who is also a contributor on special teams missed most of last season after breaking his leg.
One player not returning is defensive back Tavon Wilson. The team has decided to cut ties with their 2012 second round draft pick who was a healthy scratch in 7 games last season.
The Pats are thought to have around $17 million dollars under the salary cap and appear to have the greatest need in free agency at the running back, wide receiver and offensive line positions.