Branch will sign with the Patriots, the Boston Globe reports. With Chandler Jones expected to miss about a month with a hip injury, the Patriots will welcome Branch aboard to provide depth along the defensive line. Released by the Bill in August following a DUI arrest, Branch has totaled 170 tackles (112 solo) and eight sacks in 94 career games, but he's recorded just one sack since 2011.

Branch was released by the Bills on Sunday. This comes as no surprise after Branch was charged for drunken driving in the wee hours of the morning the night before a game, one where he was supposed to be using to fight for a roster spot. After Branch skipped voluntary work this offseason and then showed up to camp out of shape, this reaction by the team was pretty much a no-brainer.

Branch was benched for Saturday's preseason loss to Tampa Bay after getting arrested for drunken driving early Saturday morning, the Associated Press reports. Police say Branch failed a field sobriety test and had a blood-alcohol content of .14 percent. Branch has had a lackluster summer and was running the risk of getting cut before this incident. With several other younger interior linemen stepping up for the Bills lately and coach Doug Marrone's patience starting to wear thin in a week featuring fights in practice and an ugly loss to the Buccaneers, there's a chance Branch may not last past the coming week.

Bills activated DT Alan Branch from the active/NFI list. He's passed his conditioning test. Branch returns as one of the Bills' primary run stuffers.

Bills DT Alan Branch failed his conditioning test and is on the NFI list. Marcell Dareus' failed test grabbed the headlines, but Branch also couldn't complete the task. Both defensive tackles are expected to retake the test Thursday or Friday.

Bills signed DT Alan Branch to a multi-year contract extension. 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.

Bills agreed to terms with DT Alan Branch, formerly of the Seahawks, on a one-year, $3 million contract. 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.

Free agent DT Alan Branch will visit the Bills Tuesday.

ESPN's John Clayton says the Packers could have interest in free agent DT Alan Branch. Branch's new agent also represents Jermichael Finley, so he could be shopped to the Packers as a situational run stopper. After resurrecting his career with the Seahawks, Branch is likely to settle for a one-year deal this offseason.

Free agent DT Alan Branch has fired CAA as his player representation agency, and he has hired Blake Baratz. 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 still need talent. Branch is a behemoth at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds.