The Oakland Raiders have informed safety Tyvon Branch that they will be giving him the franchise tag, according to a report from Jason La Canfora of NFL Network. Branch was scheduled to be a free agent on March 13 so this will keep him in Oakland for the 2012 season.

The franchise tag number for safeties is expected to be just over $6 million for the 2012 season. Another team could attempt to sign Branch but the price would be two first round picks (and a contract) so that's not going to happen.

What this news also means is that running back Michael Bush won't be receiving the franchise tag. He was a candidate to receive it and there were reports going both ways on whether or not he would. This means Bush likely hits the open market where he'll be one of the top running backs available.

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