With Charles Woodson out of the picture in Oakland, the Raiders are expected to be aggressive for his replacement in free agency. Some of the names linked to the Raiders have been 3-time Pro Bowler Eric Weddle, George Iloka, Tashaun Gipson, Rodney McLeod, and a very familiar name to Raider fans – Tyvon Branch.
After seven years in Oakland, Branch signed with the Chiefs last year and played well in a limited role. Finally healthy, Branch is still only 29, and it’s noteworthy that Kansas City reportedly wants to bring him back.
The Raiders soured on Branch after playing only five games for the team in 2013 and 2014, but his release likely had as much to do with the $5.5 million he was due in 2015.
While Branch has a well-documented injury history, he missed only two games in four seasons prior to 2013 and was healthy for all 16 games last year. At the very least, a healthy Branch would be an upgrade in the Raiders’ secondary and a solid contributor to their special teams.
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