The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MICHIGAN IN THE PROS Bowl loss to Pittsburgh in February 2009. He spent two seasons with the Seahawks (2011 and 2012). "It's definitely exciting to be back," Branch said. "It's kind of bringing three teams that I've played for all into one in the Super Bowl, having played in Arizona and for the Pa- triots against Seattle. So it's pretty cool." BRANDON GRAHAM WILL BE POPULAR IN THE FREE AGENT MARKET Former Michigan defensive end and captain and current NFL free agent Brandon Graham is seeking a four-year contract worth $30 mil- lion with $20 million in guarantees, CSN Philly's Geoff Mosher reported recently, and most believe he'll get it. "It's understandable that Graham would be aiming high in contract talks," NFL.com reported. "Although overshadowed by Connor Barwin and Trent Cole in Philadelphia, it was Graham who paced all NFL defend- ers last season in Pro Football Focus' Pass Rushing Productivity formula that combines sacks, hits and hurries relative to pass rushing attempts. "Graham's efficiency isn't a one- year phenomenon. Over the past three seasons, he is PFF's highest- rated edge defender per 100 snaps. It doesn't hurt that Graham has been successful in multiple schemes, has been solid against the run, has shown a knack for forcing fumbles and is an asset on special teams." Graham feels he's paid his dues. He was rumored to be cut or on the trading block before this season. "It feels good, because at the end of the day I wasn't supposed to be here," Graham told The Philadelphia Enquirer. "I'm just happy I changed the opinion of a lot of people. I just kept focusing on what I needed to do and that's work hard and let every- thing fall into place." The Eagles reportedly upped Gra- ham's snap count by 12 percent this Graham is reportedly seeking a four-year contract worth $30 million with $20 million in guarantees. PHOTO COURTESY PHILADELPHIA EAGLES