‘Progress' between Raiders, Branch

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This much we know for sure -- Tyvon Branch is locked in to play strong safety for the Raiders this season, having already signed his 6.212-million franchise tag.We also know that the deadline for the Raiders to sign the franchised Branch to a more salary cap-friendly multi-year contract or extension is fast approaching -- Monday at 1 p.m. Pacific. After that, Branch may only sign a one-year contract with the Raiders for the 2012 season and that contract cannot be extended until after Oakland's final regular season game, against San Diego on Dec. 30.REWIND: Raiders place franchise tag on Tyvon Branch
Both sides have insisted the end game is to get that long-term deal done, and according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations, "progress" is being made.
Bottom line, it would provide more security for the player and allow more wiggle room under the cap for the team. Win-win, right? The goal remains the same.Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie said at the end of the team's mid-June minicamp that progress was being made with Branch's camp."It's been good communication," McKenzie said at the time. "Nobody's slamming the phone on each other, so that's positive."RELATED: Tyvon Branch career stats2011 game logsNews
Nearly a month later, indications are that progress is indeed inching along, even as it appears to be a stalemate.And still, there is no indiction on whenif third-round draft pick Tony Bergstrom and fifth-rounder Juron Criner will sign their contracts.The Raiders begin reporting to Napa for training camp on July 28, with the first practice scheduled for July 30.

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