Patriots sign Banta-Cain, Listorti

Didn't see Tully coming back. Perhaps he'll be more productive here because he's familiar with the system and won't be required to start.

Chris, I didn't see it either. In an answer in Tuesday's mailbag, I wrote that I didn't think it was likely, unless in an emergency. I was way off on that one.
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extras/askreiss/02_17_09/?page=full
--Mike

OK, now there was a reason why Eric Alexander started over TBC in the '06 AFC Title game. I am just hoping that this is just a signing to add depth to the linebacker corp. for training camp. If TBC makes the final 53-man roster this year over a Guyton, Crable, or even a possible 1st or 2nd round pick we anticipate New England to use on a linebacker in the draft, then you know this defense is in for another long and disappointing season.

Hopefully Tully stays and they can cut Eric Alexander

It is depth and he knows the system. Don't read too much into it because we've seen a guy like this get cut before the season in prior years - ie, Fernando Bryant.

Mike - how come the pats could sign these guys now? I thought free agency did not start until later in February? I'm confused!

Hi Tim. Both of these guys were available, because they had previously been cut by another team. The free agency part, Feb. 27, is for players whose contracts expire.
-- Mike

I don't know what Banta-Cain did for SF, but he was a heck of a pass-rusher here and I hope he still can contribute in this area.

Does anyone else see Tully possibly becoming one of the Patriots' special teams guys and only getting into very few defensive situations?

I always liked Tully. He has great speed from the outside towards the QB and I always wished that they let him loose more often. He had a multitude of times when he was barely a split second from nailing the QB, and hopefully with the experience gained he has learned how to eliminate that one second gap. I think he is a good pickup.

I'm surprised they signed TBC, too.

And, another big surprise, I agree with gick (I never agree with gick), Alexander's time in NE has come to an end. I hope so, anyway.

why are you so negative ritchie?

My problem with pass rushing specialists, which TBC is, is that they tip off the defense when they come onto the field. This signing does nothing for me. The Patriots cut him 2 years ago; and he certainly didn't become an "impact player" with the 49ers. I'm still waiting for the draft to see a true STARTING LB, with a consistently strong pass rush, added to the roster.

TBC could never stop the run when he was here before. Even the Colts ran all over him.

does this mean we have to take back all the bad things we said about TBC?

One of the more obvious signings....the minute he was released by San Fran and the uncertainty of the current LB situation it made sense....he will be released before camp, then re-signed a few times before contributing at some point.

Alexander doesn't have to be waived because he is a RFA. I would think this would signal the end of that relationship.

TBC is a pretty solid player going forward and near the LOS. He's not as effective dropping, he can cover the biggeer TEs but will not be as effective vs players with some wiggle and moves. He has good speed, although a little stiff as an athlete, and has a good burst off the edge. Now he is not a sack artist because he is a one trick pony with no counter moves but he can flush the QB so others can make plays. He is also not that effective vs the run because he gets overpowered by OL. He is a good back up OLB and is very productive on special teams. In addition he has been healthy as opposed to Alexander, who can't seem to get on the field lately. From a money point of view if the Pats signed TBC for anything less than $1.5 m per it's a great deal for the team because he has proven to be more productive than Alexander, who would probably make something similar and if the Pats decide they would rather have a draft pick for RFA OLB Woods then it also gives them flexibility.
nce they get their hands on him.

I love how everyone is raving over TBC being re-signed. Does anybody not realize he won't be anything more than a special teams replacement for Izzo/Alexander...He will not be a 3 down backer, nor is he part of the linebacking solution. He was bumped in the '06 AFCCG for Eric Alexander!!!

TBC and Alexander do not play the same position. TBC is an OLB, Alexander is an ILB. Both also played in the 2006 AFC Title game. I thought TBC was decent in that game because was the only Patriot pash rusher who got close to Manning. By signing TBC, that probably means Colvin won't be back. I'm glad TBC is back. Vrabel is getting too old and slow. We need some speed for a better pash rush.

After TBC had it handed to him in the SD Divisional game, Vrabel had to move back to the outside and sliding Alexander to the inside with Bruschi and shipping TBC to the bench. He's no pass rushing specialist, he is a solid special teams contributor at best. They need to add an actual OLB pass rusher(s) and not special teamers through the draft, as well as wait and see what the Patriots can get out of Crable and Woods if he is brought back.

Eric Alexander isn't an ILB, he's a special teamer only

Sack totals will tell you he's no SPECIALIST at anything. Although he did make it to manning and hit him on the helment with the tips of his fingers. He only caused a roughing the passer call. The last colts drive I think

TBC fits with Belichick's philosophy of having players in camp and when there's the inevitable injury he'll know what TBC can and cannot do and then re-sign him at some point; if his particular skill set is needed.

TBC can contribute in the right situation but he ain't going to the Pro Bowl anytime soon. It's just good roster management by Belichick/Caserio.

Gosh, his signing isn't anything to get too excited about but he's not just a warm body taking up space either. Some of you need to get a grip.

They always come back, don't they? David Givens, where are you?

Why do we want them back. They aren't any good to begin with, hence the reason we let them go. dumb,dedumb,dumb,dumb,dumb