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New England Patriots defensive back Duron Harmon during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. AP NEWSWIRE
New England Patriots defensive back Duron Harmon during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. AP NEWSWIRE
The New England Patriots had a busy day on Thursday, which was the first day of the 2017 NFL year.

The Patriots, according to reports, have come to an agreement to re-sign defensive tackle Alan Branch as well as safety Duron Harmon.

Branch, who has played three seasons for New England, agreed to a two-year deal that is worth up to $12 million.

Harmon, who has been with New England since 2012, agreed on a four-year, $20 million dollar deal.

The news broke shortly after New England came to terms with free agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who was drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by division opponent Buffalo.

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At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Gilmore is regarded by many as an elite cornerback. The Patriots have agreed on a five-year deal worth up to $14 million per season.

New England and restricted free agent Malcolm Butler have yet to reach a new deal, and reports say that there has been talks of a possible trade for Butler and New Orleans’ wide receiver Brandin Cooks.

These transactions come a day after the Patriots traded their fourth round pick in this April’s draft to the Indianapolis Colts for tight end Dwayne Allen.

The Patriots also hope to strike a deal with linebacker Dont’a Hightower. The two sides have been in communication throughout the week.


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