Dec 6, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker (87) controls the ball between Oakland Raiders free safety Matt Giordano (27), strong safety Tyvon Branch (33) and cornerback Michael Huff (24) during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Number 33 for the silver and black has endured a rough start in his NFL career. He is currently the only reason for hope in the Raider’s secondary, and one cannot help but pity the man for playing amongst a hopeless and shattered team. Despite his best effort and eye opening plays on the field, Branch has spent his 4 year career surrounded by mediocrity. This season has unfolded itself as yet another bid for the draft, leaving the birthday boy to suffer once again. His hard work did not pay off, his leadership lacked the able bodies to lead, and ultimately the season was lost for the Oakland Raiders.

After suffering through losing seasons in Oakland the question rises, will Tyvon Branch leave the Bay during the off-season? Raider Nation knows that Reggie McKenzie isn’t afraid of cleaning house, but will he really go as far as to let the once franchise tagged safety walk away, and will Branch even want to stay in the Bay if yet another new coaching staff is introduced (assuming Reggie McKenzie realizes he made a mistake hiring Jim Carey a.k.a. Dennis Allen and Jeff Daniels a.k.a. Greg Knapp as coaches).

All questions aside Raider Nation is very thankful to have at least one real defensive back on the team (sorry Micheal Huff, maybe you should change positions again. Possibly cheerleader this time?).  With any luck Tyvon Branch will stick around and lead the Raiders to an overdue winning season, and many more.

Happy Birthday Tyvon Branch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWABfIK3w-U

Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

Last night we discussed why the pressure is now on Tyvon Branch to perform at an elite level. Reggie McKenzie didn’t slap the franchise tag on Tyvon then reward him with a four-year deal just because he likes the guy. McKenzie knows he’s got a player poised to breakout as one of the NFL’s best defenders. He also knew that getting Branch under contract would benefit the team in more ways than one.

Not only did McKenzie retain his brightest defensive star for the foreseeable future but he also managed to free some very precious cap space.

Before the Branch deal the Raiders were reported to be somewhere near the $1-million mark in cap room. After inking Branch the silver and black are said to be close to the $5-million range in cap space. That will go a long way in getting the last of the unsigned draft picks under contract not to mention it gives the Raiders some options should they need to acquire more talent once camp commences.

Some see Tyvon’s contract as a bargain assuming he’ll continue his climb up the NFL hierarchy. Others warn that it could create another cap conundrum for McKenzie down the road.

No matter the case it’s clear that Branch is no longer flying below the radar and if you don’t believe it then check the way his deal is structured as reported by PFT. You’ll notice such minor details as a $250,000 Pro Bowl bonus on up to a healthy $10-million salary in 2013.

1.  $5.6 million signing bonus.

2.  $1 million fully-guaranteed base salary in 2012, with no offset language.

3.  $250,000 Pro Bowl incentive in 2012.

4.  $6 million base salary in 2013, guaranteed for injury only at signing and fully guaranteed on the third day of the 2013 league year.  (Only $1.5 million of the salary is subject to offset language.)

5.  $3.5 million roster bonus due on third day of 2013 league year, which is guaranteed for injury and skill at signing and fully guaranteed as of the first game of the 2012 regular season.

6.  $250,000 Pro Bowl incentive in 2013.

7.  $3 million base salary in 2014, $1.5 million of which is guaranteed for injury only at signing and fully guaranteed as of the third day of the 2013 league year, with no offset language.

8.  $1 million roster bonus due on the third day of the 2014 league year.

9.  $250,000 Pro Bowl incentive in 2014

10.  $5.5 million non-guaranteed base salary in 2015.

11.  $1 million roster bonus due on the third day of the 2015 league year.

12.  $250,000 Pro Bowl incentive in 2015.

Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Now that Branch has gone from franchise tagged to franchise cornerstone with his new deal he’ll have to deal with raised expectations.

No longer will Branch be given credit for being the lone bright spot on a bleak defense. Now he’ll be expected to elevate the entire unit to his level of play.

To be sure Branch isn’t the face of the defense like Richard Seymour. Nor is he among the NFL elite at the safety position. However we all know he’s got the potential to be in that upper echelon of defenders and now is his time to emerge as such.

With big bucks comes lofty expectation.

Raider Nation has Branch’s back. No question about that. The difference now is that we’re looking for his inspired play to do just that for the rest of the defense. He’s not going to be able to hang his hat on his performance alone. Oakland’s defense is slowly transitioning into Branch’s bunch. Soon he will be in the team captain conversation. Soon Branch will be much more than a diamond in the rough. All that means is sooner than later he’s going to be held accountable for how the entire defense plays.

This is all part of the natural evolution for a player as talented and dedicated as Tyvon. He’s worked hard to earn every penny coming his way. Now the real work begins.

Congrats to both Branch and the Raiders for their dedication to one another. This deal had to get done. All that remains now is for Branch to outperform his new deal. To do that he’ll have to do more than play at a Pro Bowl level. He’ll have to play for a Super Bowl caliber defense.