The Kansas City Chiefs will reportedly sign strong safety free agent and former Oakland RaiderTyvon Branch.
After seven seasons with the Oakland Raiders, strong safety Tyvon Branch is leaving to sign a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. Branch has struggled with injuries in the last two seasons, but had established himself as a hard-hitting safety before that span.
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The short-term deal is likely incentive-laden to protect the Chiefs from more injury problems afflicting Branch and his ability to suit up. Since the start of the 2013 season, Branch has played just five games after having only missed two games in the previous four seasons combined.
Primarily known for his hitting, Branch will bring more snarl and toughness to a Chiefs defense that slightly regressed in 2014. It still remains an upgrade as far as Branch is concerned. The Chiefs ranked seventh in the NFL in terms of yards allowed per game and maintained their reputation as one of the toughest teams on which one could score a rushing touchdown.
Such a stat combines well with the talents of Branch, which primarily revolve around his tackling ability. Branch actually tallied over 100 combined tackled for three straight seasons in Oakland, which should mesh well with the physical, aggressive Chiefs defense.
For the Chiefs, the work on defense continues as they must prepare to withstand what will likely be a long holdout from pass rushing star Justin Houston. Houston nearly set a league record with 22 sacks in 2014 and his contract demands will approach record-setting levels, which the Chiefs don’t have the cap room to accommodate. They’ll hope to fortify the defense as much as they can to brace themselves for the worst in those negotiations.
For Tyvon Branch, this contract will represent his best chance to make the playoffs in his career. The Chiefs were on the fringe of the playoff hunt last year after having made the show in 2013. Now they’re looking to return and Branch is hoping to stay healthy long enough to go for the ride.
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