BRADY HENDERSON

Thoughts as Alan Branch leaves Seahawks for Bills

Apr 2, 2013, 12:23 PM | Updated: 12:37 pm

By Brady Henderson

The possibility of free agent Alan Branch returning to the Seahawks seemed unlikely when the team added another defensive tackle, Tony McDaniel, on a one-year deal last week.

20121223 seahawks074 small-600x399
Alan Branch

Branch’s deal with the Bills erases any lingering doubt.

Branch and the Bills have agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal that includes up to $350,000 in incentives, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

Branch, 28, was a starter and a solid run stuffer in each of his two seasons with the Seahawks, reviving a career that got off to an underwhelming start in Arizona. He wanted to return to the Seahawks.

“Hopefully they want me here and the whole money situation gets settled,” he told reporters a day after the Seahawks’ playoff loss to Atlanta. “If not, there won’t be a better group of guys than this, for sure. But we’ll see.”

Branch’s two-year deal with the Seahawks was worth $8 million, so the fact that he isn’t signing for more money elsewhere suggests that Seattle only wanted him back at a reduced rate. That would be understandable given the money the Seahawks committed to Percy Harvin, Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett. Their contracts will count a combined $13.45 million against the 2013 salary cap.

The Seahawks presumably found a cheaper alternative in McDaniel, or at least one option for replacing Branch in the starting lineup.

Perhaps the decision to let Branch leave in free agency was also influenced by the team’s hopes for Jaye Howard, a 2012 fourth-round pick who appeared in only two games as a rookie last season. Seattle could also use one of its 10 draft picks on a defensive tackle.

Branch and linebacker Leroy Hill were the Seahawks’ only starters unsigned for 2013. Hill is still a free agent.

Brady Henderson

Rees Odhiambo, a 2016 third-round pick, will compete with Matt Tobin to start at left tackle. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Tom Cable: Rees Odhiambo, Matt Tobin are Seahawks’ preferred LT options

Tom Cable brought a bit of clarity to the Seahawks' plans at left tackle in the wake of George Fant's season-ending knee injury, saying Tuesday that Rees Odhiambo and newcomer Matt Tobin are the top two options.

7 years ago

Left tackle George Fant suffered an injury in the first half of Friday's preseason game. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks injury updates: George Fant set for surgery, K.J. Wright returns

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Monday that left tackle George Fant is expected to be back by next season from the knee injury that will sideline him in 2017.

7 years ago

Matt Tobin, 27, started 21 games over seasons with the Eagles. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks acquire OL Matt Tobin in trade with Eagles

The Seahawks have acquired offensive tackle Matt Tobin in a trade with the Eagles, making another move to shore up their offensive line after losing left tackle George Fant for the season.

7 years ago

Luke Joeckel played left tackle for his first three NFL seasons. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Luke Joeckel? Rees Odhiambo? A look at the Seahawks’ LT options with George Fant out for the season

The Seahawks need a new plan at left tackle with George Fant out for the season. Moving Luke Joeckel there is one option, writes Brady Henderson.

7 years ago

Michael Bennett on Justin Britt standing by his side during the national anthem Friday night: “I ...

Brady Henderson

Justin Britt stands by Michael Bennett during national anthem: ‘A very emotional moment’

Seahawks center Justin Britt showed his support for teammate Michael Bennett Friday night, standing by him as Bennett remained seated during the national anthem.

7 years ago

Left tackle George Fant suffered an injury in the first half of Friday's preseason game. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks’ George Fant needs ACL surgery, likely out for season

The Seahawks' offensive line was dealt a massive blow with left tackle George Fant suffering a knee injury Friday night that will likely keep him out all season.

7 years ago

Thoughts as Alan Branch leaves Seahawks for Bills