Pats sign DL Branch, release LB Skinner
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots have signed defensive lineman Alan Branch and released linebacker Deontae Skinner.
Branch was cut by Buffalo on Aug. 24, one day after being arrested on a drunken-driving charge. He spent the previous four seasons with Arizona after being drafted in the second round in 2007, then played two years for Seattle. He started 47 of his 94 games and had eight sacks. With Buffalo last year he had 39 tackles in 16 games.
Skinner signed with the Patriots as an undrafted rookie from Mississippi State on May 27. He had one start in seven games and made 10 tackles on defense and three on special teams. His release comes after the Patriots traded for linebackers Akeem Ayers from Tennessee last week and Jonathan Casillas from Tampa Bay on Tuesday.
---
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL
Copyright 2014 by The Associated Press
This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index
EDITORS' PICKS
- Winston's Solid Pro Day
Jameis Winston's pro day workout wasn't exceptional, but he confirmed he's worthy of being the top pick.
McShay
- Our Hindsight Is 20/20
- As ESPN.com celebrates two decades of coverage, we rank the top players and teams of the past 20 years.
Story »
- Sticking With 12 Teams
- Mailbag: John Clayton explains why expanded playoffs are on hold and discusses overtime rules and extra points.
Story »
MORE NFL HEADLINES
- McShay: Mariota moves up in Mock Draft 4.0
- Draft: NFL comps for top prospects
- Sando: Free-agency grades for all 32 teams
- Kiper: 10 safest picks in draft
- McShay: Winston looks like No. 1 | Top 32
Comments
Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on ESPN's media platforms. Learn more.