Alan Branch re-signs with Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills took a step to solidify the front seven of their improving defense heading into the 2014 season, announcing that they've re-signed veteran defensive lineman Alan Branch. It's a three-year accord, but financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Branch, who will turn 29 this coming Sunday, was signed to a one-year free agent contract this past April following a solid two-year stretch as a member of the Seattle Seahawks. The 6'6", 325-pound Branch began the season as an oft-used reserve, but emerged as a starter in Week 4 after the season-ending injury suffered by Alex Carrington.

Primarily used as a run-down defender, Branch has played 50.7 percent of the team's snaps on defense this season. In his 543 snaps played this year, Branch has accumulated 35 tackles in a no-glory role behind the team's ultra-productive, every-down starting tandem of Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus.

The re-signing of Branch gives the Bills three reliable linemen heading into an off-season where Carrington, a player that they were very high on early in the season, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent - and is represented by notorious agent Eugene Parker.