CSN Bay Area confirms there has been "progress" in contract talks between the Raiders and franchise player SS Tyvon Branch this week. That progress appears to be modest, however. Beat writer Paul Gutierrez characterizes the discussions as "inching along, even as it appears to be a stalemate." Branch has already signed his $6.2 million tender for the 2012 season. Entering his first season in head coach Dennis Allen's scheme, Branch has until Monday's deadline to land a long-term deal.