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New England Patriots: 5 Free Agents They Must Re-Sign

By James Caughlin

Feb 7, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy while standing in front of city hall during the Super Bowl LI Champions parade through downtown Boston. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy while standing in front of city hall during the Super Bowl LI Champions parade through downtown Boston. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots
Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft celebrates with Patriots defensive lineman Alan Branch (97) after the Patriots’ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2 – Alan Branch

It was a year of massive highs and lows for Alan Branch as he won a Super Bowl, played some of the best football of his career and had to deal with two suspensions, one of which he served. In preseason there were some questions about whether or not he was even going to make the team after Bill Belichick sat him out. From there, Branch responded with some dominant interior defensive displays. There was a league imposed four-game suspension for a drug violation,however, he successfully fought that and was able to play in the end of season run to the Super Bowl.

Branch has to be a priority for the team to re-sign, even on a short-term deal for another season or two to help lead a young group of defensive tackles. Malcom Brown, Vincent Valentine and Woodrow Hamilton have shown their capability to work in a rotation, however, Branch was the steadying force throughout the season.

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