The Oakland Raiders have informed safety Tyvon Branch that he will receive the franchise tag, Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reports. A 2008 fourth-round pick out of UCONN, Branch has started 48 straight games for the Raiders, totaling 337 tackles, six sacks, two interceptions, 15 passes defensed and three forced fumbles over that stretch. Branch earned $1.2 million in base salary in 2011, which was the final season of his four-year, $2.2 million rookie contract. The franchise tender for a safety in 2012 is projected to carry a base salary of $6.22 million, which will become guaranteed once the contract is signed. Source: Mac's Football Blog
