The Patriots have reportedly retained a large piece of their defensive line.
According to media accounts, free agent defensive lineman Alan Branch has agreed to a new two-year contract with the Super Bowl champions, valued at $6.6 million. The 30-year-old Branch came to Foxborough mid-season in 2014 and helped strengthen New England's depth at d-line.
The Patriots could use as much help as possible in the interior d-line, particularly with the presumed departure of long-time co-captain Vince Wilfork, who remains on the free agent market and appears unlikely to return to New England.