The Oakland Raiders and safety Tyvon Branch agreed to a four-year contract, according to Jason LaCanfora of CBSSports.com. Branch's new deal comes just ahead of Monday's deadline for franchised players to sign long-term contracts.

Oakland extended Branch the franchise tender in the spring. The 25-year-old safety initially said that he would not sign the franchise tender, which would have paid him $6.2 million for the 2012 season, but he signed the offer sheet on May 7. Branch's new deal, according to NFL.com, is worth $26.6 million with $17.1 million guaranteed.

A total of 21 players around the league were franchised this year. With Branch's deal, nine of those players have signed new long-term contracts.

Originally a fourth-round pick in 2008, Branch has emerged as one of the top young safeties in the game. He led the Raiders with 109 tackles and assists last season. Silver and Black Pride ranked the pairing of Branch and Michael Huff as the top group of safeties in the AFC West.

From SB Nation NFL News Wire