The Oakland Raiders and safety Tyvon Branch have agreed to a four-year contract worth $26.6 million, CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reported Saturday on Twitter. The deal takes Branch off the Raiders’ franchise tag label.

As filed to @CBSSports.com, Raiders S Tyvon Branch agrees to 4 yr deal with team, getting off the franchise tag. Deal to be finalized today

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) July 14, 2012

The deal is worth $26.4M, with a max of $28M including incentives. He makes $16.1m in the 1st 2 yrs and $17.6M is Guaranteed (Huff got $15m)

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) July 14, 2012

The four-year deal — which is 66 percent guaranteed — allows Branch to hit the free-agent market before age 30.

In March, the Raiders used the franchise tag on Branch, which allowed running back Michael Bush to become a free agent. Bush eventually signed with the Chicago Bears as a sort of insurance for the Bears’ stalled negotiations with their own franchise player, Matt Forte.

Teams have until Monday at 4 p.m. ET to agree to long-term deals with their franchise players. On Friday, the New Orleans Saints and quarterback Drew Brees agreed to a $100 million megadeal. Forte, meanwhile, is “hopeful” on a new long-term deal with the Bears. Things aren’t as optimistic with the negotiations between the New England Patriots and their franchise player, wide receiver Wes Welker.

New Oakland Raiders general manager is looking to sign safety Tyvon Branch to a long-term deal, according to Pro Football Weekly. Branch was given the team’s franchise tag earlier in the season.

In four seasons with the team, Branch has steadily improved. He has forced three fumbles and picked off three passes, while recording 347 tackles since he entered the league in 2008.

Branch is currently set to receive $6.2 million in 2012.

The Oakland Raiders have informed safety Tyvon Branch that he will be franchised, according to Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network:

Raiders have informed S Tyvon Branch he will be franchised. #insideslant

—
Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 01, 2012

Branch, 25, can expect to make upwards of $6 million under the franchise tag in Oakland next season.

The Raiders’ fourth-round pick in the 2008 draft out of UConn, Branch has started at strong safety the last three seasons in Oakland. He had 78 tackles in 2011, and 249 total in three years.