Andre Branch to Dolphins: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

The Miami Dolphins came to terms with free-agent defensive lineman Andre Branch on a one-year deal on Wednesday, as first reported by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. The deal is fully guaranteed for $3 million, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. 

The Dolphins would later announce the news. 

Branch has endured four up-and-down seasons in Jacksonville since getting selected in the second round of the 2012 draft. In all, he's tallied 91 combined tackles, 14 sacks and five forced fumbles across 51 games, including 13 starts.

The 26-year-old Clemson product did take on a larger role during the 2015 campaign, making 10 of his 13 career starts. The results were mixed, however, as head coach Gus Bradley explained in late December, per Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union.

"I think there's a combination of things that go in it," Bradley said. "I think he's had some good rushes, some good games and I think there's times when we have more of him like you saw two weeks ago (when he struggled.)"

That overall lack of consistency was a major question mark as he hit the open market. He's flashed upside as an all-around defensive end, but rarely could he maintain a high level of play.

Grant Paulsen of FOX 5 DC provided some possible reasons for the lack of production:

That's why attempting to find the perfect fit was so important as Branch made stops with teams around the league. He still possesses some untapped potential, but only if used in the right manner.

Ultimately, Branch decided to join a rebuilt Dolphins defensive end group, highlighted by the addition of Mario Williams. He'll likely serve as the chief reserve for both Williams and Cameron Wake, which should lead to pretty regular snaps.

Even though he won't be stepping into a full-time role, the decision to sign with Miami probably goes back to finding the right fit. The Dolphins play a prototypical 4-3 scheme that should fit his style well and also made them the ideal landing spot for Williams, who struggled in Buffalo's 3-4 approach.

The Dolphins, which finished 25th in the league in sacks last season, should have the pieces in place to get more pressure on the quarterback in 2016. Branch can play a key role in that if he finds his comfort zone within the new system.

It's a nice value signing at this point of free agency given what Branch could bring to the defense if he's able to find a comfort zone.