Keeping Andre Branch will be key to the Miami Dolphins future success
One of the unsung heros from the Miami Dolphins last season was defensive end Andre Branch. Given a prove it contract following some average seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Branch sure proved it to the team. Giving Miami a great one-two punch at the defensive end positions, Branch was a top notch pickup for the Dolphins.
Recording career highs in tackles last season with 49, Branch also recorded two forced fumbles, a pass deflection and most importantly, 5.5 sacks. Overall, Branch was a force along the defensive line. His stats could have been even higher had he not served to distract offensive lines from Cameron Wake’s presence.
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Proving his worth last season, Branch will hit free agency this offseason and will certainly receive a pay raise over last season. Expressing his desire to return to Miami next season should help the Dolphins out though. Given they have a great amount of cap space, inking Branch to a long term deal should also not be an issue for this team going forward.
Add into the fact that Cameron Wake is not getting any younger and you have a player the Miami Dolphins must re-sign. Myself and others have already called him the future leader of the defensive line due to his performances and ability to get to the quarterback. Bringing him back would instantly allow the Miami Dolphins to once again possess one of the league’s best defensive lines.
The biggest question for me is what the cost will be for the Dolphins. Remember, Miami is still looking to get a long term deal done for Kiko Alonso. A restricted free agent this offseason, the Dolphins have to find a way to get Alonso back given his importance to the team’s linebacking corps.
Again though, this is where the Miami Dolphins cap space should give them an advantage. While I would hate to see the Dolphins overpay for any player, both Alonso and Branch need to be brought back on long term deals. If the team is forced to overpay a little bit to make sure they are in Miami uniforms going forward, I won’t be too heartbroken by the idea.
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