If Holmes doesn’t draft his replacement, he’s more of an idiot than we thought. I love Branch but his NFL career is done. His play was slipping prior to the injury
Branch plays safety. GQ was slower than Marshawn Lynch. His days of playing nickel might be done, but if he can adjust his game of playing pure S still being a heat seaking missle, and playing over the top/centerfield coverage. Like he can make it work.
He’s a core player so this is me just being hopeful.
Richard Sherman went on Terrion Arnold and Pat Surtain’s podcast and mentioned there’s a new Achilles procedure that should have Branch back in 8 months.
Thought that interesting.
Sherman tore his Achilles November 2017 played 14 games in 2018. Made another all pro in 2019
I think it’s also Sherman’s style of play. He played zone. He didn’t play man to man. He didn’t have the speed for it. Branch is an extremely versatile player. He can play the pure safety position. Like i said Glover Quinn was slower than Marshawn Lynch but he was a still a very good safety. Great tackler, and great playing outfield. Maybe Branch can play more outfield, and more in the box, but maybe not coverage anymore. With Sherman that was almost 9 years ago. I’m hoping the surgery is more advanced these days.
I’m not worried about him coming back soon. I just want the guy right. Brad and Dan don’t abonden their guys. I’m sure they’ll give him all the time he needs.
How about an example with this staff specifically… Tracey Walker tore his in September and started practicing in June, 9 months… Didn’t play a defensive snap week 1, only 9 snaps week 2 and then 100% of the snaps week 3… Exactly 12 months after tearing it. He also only played 4 full games before being phased out completely.
The best part about all of this is, we’re going to find out… I’m not saying it’s not possible, but it’s not likely. Safety is a real concern for this team now with Kerby’s alleged chronic knee issue and Branch suffering a potential career altering/ending injury. I certainly don’t think he plays in a game before October
I don’t know anything about the surgery or recovery time. I know Branch will be lucky to play football at a high level in the second half of the football season in 2026. Branch is under contract for 2026.
Even if Branch kills it when/if he comes back i. 2026. Is a team going to roll out a truck of money for him in 2027? If so, good luck to him. Sit back and collect the comp. pick.
Most likely he gets a prove it deal in 2027. Might as well be here for that possible bargain price.