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Reconnecting with Banta-Cain

Email|Link|Comments (6) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff September 30, 2008 08:50 AM

With the Patriots preparing to face the 49ers on Sunday, it offers a chance to reconnect with former New England outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain.

A seventh-round draft choice of the Patriots in 2003, Banta-Cain played for the club for four seasons. By the end of his tenure, he was the team's third outside linebacker, behind Mike Vrabel and Rosevelt Colvin.

After the 2006 season, Banta-Cain became an unrestricted free agent and signed a three-year, $8.9 million contract with the 49ers. He was viewed as a player who could improve the 49ers' pass rush, and was projected to assume a full-time role.

Banta-Cain started a career-high 10 games in 2007, finishing with 59 tackles and just 3.5 sacks. The production was considered a disappointment given the financial investment.

This season, Banta-Cain has yet to suit up for a game. He is third on the depth chart at outside linebacker behind Manny Lawson and Parys Haralson.

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6 comments so far...

This is a great example of differences between front offices. Last year, both SF and NE were the biggest FA spenders. NE used it and went 16-0 whereas SF spent the money and went 5-11.

Posted by Andy M September 30, 08 09:16 AM

This is a great example of a player that was good in the Pats system and thought he was better than he was...so did S.F. ooops.....

Posted by Longtime Pats fan in VA September 30, 08 09:42 AM

Tully Banta-Cain...
We actually got better when he left!
Overrated

Posted by kyle September 30, 08 09:44 AM

Why is he still on the Niners roster? That's the difference between SF and NE. The Pats cut their losses with their F.A. duds--Beisel, Bryant, etc.

Posted by Tim September 30, 08 09:52 AM

Roughing the passer!!!!!!!

Posted by GoBam! September 30, 08 10:14 AM

Why is he still on our Roster? Taken up roster space, and salary cap room. Our front office doesn't know how to evaluate true talent. Just like our draft production in the last few years. Manny Lawson, Brian Williams, Rashon Woods, etc. The list goes on and on. Its do or die for Nolan this year. We have the talent to make it. I think we could have traded for Roy Williams since we brought in Mike Martz. But noooooo, we brought in garbage like Desean Foster who has no productivity what so ever on this team.

Posted by Stewart September 30, 08 02:36 PM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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