Dolphins Re-sign Andre Branch with Three-Year Deal
On Wednesday, the Miami Dolphins re-signed DE Andre Branch to a three-year deal worth $27 million.
The Miami Dolphins have made it clear that they want to re-sign their own free agents this offseason. They proved that on Wednesday as the team agreed to terms with DE Andre Branch on a three-year deal. Ian Rapoport was the first to break the news.
Earlier in the day, it looked as though maybe Branch had been pricing his way out of South Florida. After signing a one-year deal with Miami last offseason that earned him $2.75 million, it was expected that Branch could see a contract worth $7-$9 million annually. Instead of balking, the Dolphins showed that they agreed by inking Branch to a $27 million deal over those three years.
The amount of guaranteed money is still unknown, which is key, as terms of the deal are still unclear. Branch had the best season of his career last year in Miami, recording 49 tackles along with 5.5 sacks, appearing in all 16 games. He will rejoin teammates Cameron Wake and Terrence Fede as the only current Dolphins defensive ends under contract. Two weeks ago, Wake signed a two-year extension to remain in Miami.
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On the surface, the price to re-sign Branch may seem steep, but the Dolphins knew they needed help to rush the edges, and there are not a lot of options available in free agency that they like over Branch. The thought process is to re-sign someone familiar working under Adam Gase that knows the system. Even with the terms still unknown, the deal is expected to be team-friendly.
The Dolphins are not done adding to their defensive front by any means. They will still be looking to add another edge rusher in the upcoming draft, in addition, to an interior lineman. Miami will more than likely use an early round selection on a defensive end in what is a deep defensive draft, and very possibly in the first round.