Stay Or Go: Arizona Cardinals Defensive Tackle Alan Branch

by Andrew602 on Feb 14, 2011 2:57 AM MST in NFL Offseason/Free Agency

Four seasons ago, when the Arizona Cardinals stole defensive tackle Alan Branch out of the second round of the draft, many fans believed he'd shore up a need in the middle of the Cardinals defense. At the time, Branch's issues leading up to the draft had impacted his stock, as he fell to the second round. The Cardinals however, were familiar drafting defenders with character issues. Not long before Branch joined the team, the Cardinals took a chance on Darnell Dockett in the third round of the 2004 draft. He turned out to be one of the best decisions the Cardinals front office has made in recent history.

But getting back to Branch, it appeared as though he and Dockett -- paired with the rest of the talent on defense -- would develop into one of the best defensive tackle tandems throughout the league. What happened instead, was a disappointing two seasons that saw Branch at the end of a lot of criticism. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt had to call out Branch for his lack of commitment and he even used the old light bulb expression.

		Sacks		Interceptions			Tackles
	G	Sacks	YdsL	Int	Yds	IntTD	Solo	Ast	Total
2010 - Alan Branch	14	2	7	0	0	0	27	8	35

That may have been the best approach, as Branch gradually received more playing time the last two seasons. 2010 was statistically Branch's best season to date. The same motor he displayed at Michigan finally started to show in flashes, but is it too late?

Entering the 2011 offseason, Branch will be an unrestricted free agent. Veteran defender Bryan Robinson will become a free agent as well, and is expected to retire. With second year man Dan Williams the only option, the Cardinals will need to make a decision. Does Branch stay and continue to improve? Or does he walk? There's also no guarantee that the light bulb will continue to shine. It may come down to the money. If Branch feels that he's worth more then what the Cardinals may offer him, he'll see out his options. After all, his stay in Arizona hasn't been the best and many teams will be in need of a defensive tackle. His experience, paired along with the depth he can bring may entice the Cardinals front office enough to sign the dotted line. Do you believe Branch should stay? If so, what can he bring to the table that a rookie won't?

Poll

Should Alan Branch stay or go?

Stay

328 votes

Go

158 votes

486 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 18 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

Go

Not worth what it will cost to keep him. A gamble to be sure, but he’s just now becoming serviceable, much less being great. Boot his large ass and find another FA willing to work. (have him take Levi with him)

"The true test of a person's intellligence is how much they agree with you."

by pthesz on Feb 14, 2011 3:31 AM MST reply actions

Depends on how much he'll cost

But I’m leaning toward go.

by Cardscrazy247 on Feb 14, 2011 6:18 AM MST reply actions

Stay

I don’t think he’ll cost all that much and with who could be the best DC the Cards have had in a long time unpacking his bags, Branch will likely improve.

"When life gives you lemons, I say f**k the lemons and bail."

by SGM on Feb 14, 2011 7:37 AM MST reply actions

Go

The line “what can we get from Branch that we can’t get from a rookie” says it all.

If you don't have anything good to say about the Cards this season, you'd be correct.

by hevchv on Feb 14, 2011 12:43 PM MST via mobile reply actions

Stay...with conditions

agree with SGM. I don’t think it will cost that much, and ‘the light’ has come on….There’s value in having his experience, especially since he’s showing something now.
I think the FO leverages a low cost contract. If he gets stupid on price, I’d cut him loose…

by Cardzfan on Feb 14, 2011 1:29 PM MST reply actions

If he gets stupid on price!

Nice way to put it. Branch is worth keeping. He has way more to offer the Cardinals than a rookie. More to the point about a rookie though is, how much is a rookie going to do for you if there is no off season? The CBA situation can’t be taken out of any decision. Branch has the chops. He showed that this season. He makes for fantastic depth. If Dockett or Campbell went down who would you rather have step in? Branch or a rookie? If he wants too much money though I can’t see them overpaying. Iwebema is slated to be a RFA so there is still some depth. Branch is more versatile though. He can fill in at NT or DE if needed. Watson seems more like the guy they will let walk. Then again you never know.

by hadrarius on Feb 14, 2011 5:05 PM MST up reply actions

Agreed

I think he WILL get stupid on price, though. I would much rather have him in there than a rookie if DD or CC went down, I just really think he’ll ask too much now that he’s not playing like crap.

"The true test of a person's intellligence is how much they agree with you."

by pthesz on Feb 14, 2011 10:25 PM MST up reply actions