Projecting tricky extension for Lions' Branch as he works his way back from torn Achilles
Allen Park — It’s general manager Brad Holmes’ ball game, but coach Dan Campbell recently threw a little bit of cold water on the idea of signing Brian Branch to a long-term extension before the safety returns to practice from last season’s torn Achilles.
“I think you always want to know that your guys are healthy and this is truly healed,” Campbell said. “You are always going to kind of want to lean that way knowing the investment that would go into that.”
It’s the practical approach, understanding that a healthy Branch almost certainly commands a deal that averages north of $20 million per season.
There are plenty of recent examples of players rebounding from torn Achilles and returning to form, including running back JK Dobbins and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. Going a little further back, it’s easy to point to seven-time Pro Bowler Terrell Suggs as the barometer of post-surgery success.
On the other hand, just as many, if not more never look the same. Cornerback Tre’Davious White never recaptured his Pro Bowl form after tearing an ACL in 2021 and his Achilles in 2023. And in Detroit, Romeo Okwara and Tracy Walker’s careers never rebounded after suffering the injury.
Age and reliance on athleticism, are among the factors, and in Branch’s case, both work in his favor. He won’t turn 25 until October, and his success has largely been more dependent on his instincts than his raw athletic traits since entering the league. So there’s some reason for optimism.