Alan

Branch

Branch will be replaced by Clinton McDonald, downgrading the Seahawks’ run defense a tiny peg. Both Sidney Rice (knee) and Ben Obomanu (knee) are active, as expected. The other Seahawks’ inactives: QB Josh Portis, WR Deon Butler, T Jarriel King, G/T Allen Barbre, CB Byron Maxwell and CB Ron Parker.

“Hopefully they want me here and the whole money situation gets settled,” Branch said. “If not, there won’t be a better group of guys than this, for sure. But we’ll see.” A disappointment in Arizona, the 28-year-old has rejuvenated his career with the Seahawks the past two years.

PFT’s Mike Florio says to not be surprised if Branch now ends up in Jacksonville with his former defensive boss in Seattle, Gus Bradley. Branch, 28, turned his career around with the Seahawks, and even after signing Roy Miller, the Jaguars need interior bodies. Branch is a behemoth at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds.

Branch’s new agent also reps Jermichael Finley. It’s possible he could be shopped to the Packers as a situational run stopper. After resurrecting his career in Seattle, Branch is likely to settle for a one-year deal near the veteran minimum.

The dots connect, as Branch played under new Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley in Seattle and Jacksonville is desperate for run stuffers. Branch, who goes 6-foot-6 and roughly 330 pounds, is also rumored to be on the Patriots’ radar.

Branch, a behemoth at 6-foot-6 and 331 pounds, would be a nice fit next to the short and stout, pile-moving Vince Wilfork on the Patriots’ interior line. Branch excels as a run-stuffer, and he could draw plenty of interest on the open market after turning his career around in Seattle. Shaughnessy has the versatility up front that coach Bill Belichick likes. Hill is a pass-rushing wide body.

Per CBS’ Jason La Canfora, the Bills are “pretty interested in getting something done.” Branch, 28, could slide in as a situational run stuffer behind starting tackles Kyle Williams and Marcel Dareus.

The veteran run stopper will slide in as a role player behind Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams. Branch played 575 snaps for the Seahawks last season, grading out in the middle of the pack in Pro Football Focus’ defensive tackle ratings. He’ll help shore up a run defense that allowed 145.8 yards per game and 5.0 yards per carry in 2012.

Instead of letting Branch hit free agency, the Bills lock up their veteran run-stuffer. The 28-year-old’s first season in Buffalo was a rousing success as he is on his way to a career-high in tackles while grading out as a top-10 3-4 end against the run.

Branch opened training camp on active/NFI after failing his conditioning test. His hip injury was never a concern. Branch and Terrance Knighton are competing to start next to Malcom Brown.