Reports: Dolphins Bringing Back Branch, Sent Offer To Stills
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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — The Miami Dolphins are bringing back defensive end Andre Branch on a long-term deal and trying to keep receiver Kenny Stills, according to reports from two NFL insiders.
Source: The #Dolphins are bringing back pass-rusher Andre Branch on a long-term deal. They keep one of their own.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2017
Branch recorded 5.5 sacks and immediately became one of the defense's top performers in 2016.
Dolphins making a push to keep WR Kenny Stills. Strong offer on the table in the $8M/year range.
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 8, 2017
Stills, who had 726 receiving yards and 9 TD's for Miami, has been linked to the Philadelphia Eagles as a possible destination this offseason.
The Dolphins also announced Monday they've tendered four exclusive rights for free agents, including center Anthony Steen, who started seven games last year.
Also tendered were linebacker Mike Hull, cornerback Lafayette Pitts and tight end Thomas Duarte.
Steen, undrafted as a rookie in 2014, filled in when center Mike Pouncey was hurt last season. Hull and Pitts were valuable on special teams, and Duarte spent much of last season on the practice squad.
Exclusive rights free agents are players with less than three years of experience, and they are unable to negotiate with other teams.
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