97 Alan Branch NT

The Patriots declined to pick up Branch's 2018 contract option Tuesday, and he will now be a free agent this offseason, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Branch picked up six starts and appeared in 12 total games but was ultimately passed up on the depth chart in favor of Ricky Jean Francois and ended up being a healthy scratch in the Super Bowl. The veteran Branch said he intends to continue playing football, so he'll be on the lookout for a new home this offseason.

Branch (knee) does not appear on Wednesday's injury report.

Branch hasn't taken the field since Week 14 of the regular season when he originally injured the meniscus in one of his knees. However, his absence from the injury report suggests that problem is now a thing of the past.

Branch (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Titans.

Earlier in the week, Branch insisted that he feels ready to return to the field after missing the last three games with a meniscus injury, though it's far from guaranteed that the Patriots' coaching staff feels the say way. If he's ultimately ruled out, Ricky Jean Francois would likely in store for another handful of defensive reps.

Branch (knee) was a limited participant at the Patriots' practice Wednesday.

Branch sat out the final three games of the regular season and also had the Patriots' first round bye to rest up. Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports the 33-year-old "feels good to go" for Saturday's divisional-round matchup against the Titans.

Branch (knee) will remain sidelined for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jets.

Branch's absence will mark his third consecutive game missed. As a result, Ricky Jean Francois figures to continue seeing extended run providing depth at defensive tackle. The Patriots have a first-round bye in the playoffs, so Branch will have some extra time to recover.