Patriots opting to pick up Alan Branch's bonus

The New England Patriots will pick up defensive tackle Alan Branch's bonus, which solidifies his fate for at least this year.

This, per Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston:

Branch, 31, had signed a two-year contract with the club last offseason with a maximum value of $6.6 million. As part of the deal, the sides inserted a $400,000 bonus due on the first day of the 2016 league year (Wednesday) that had to be picked up to activate the second season.

The 6-6, 350-pounder tallied 35 tackles and a sack in 15 of 16 starts last season.

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