PFT: Browns are pursuing Banta-Cain - New England Patriots Forums

***pats1*** · 10-20-2009, 10:06 AM

Banta-Cain might have some leverage | ProFootballTalk.com

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Banta-Cain might have some leverage
Posted by Mike Florio on October 20, 2009 11:00 AM ET

Though the Patriots apparently cut linebacker Tully Banta-Cain with the intent of bringing him back in short order, New England might have some competition for his services.

Per a league source, the Browns are sniffing around Banta-Cain, and they might make a serious run at swiping him.

Banta-Cain has played under Browns coach Eric Mangini and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, and Banta-Cain likely would instantly become a starter in the Browns' 3-4 defense.

Even if he's not interested, Banta-Cain could flirt with the Browns in order to get something more than a prorated one-year minimum deal from the Patriots.

Bottom line? He's got leverage. The question is whether he'll use it.

robertweathers · 10-20-2009, 10:07 AM

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Originally Posted by pats1

Banta-Cain might have some leverage | ProFootballTalk.com

If TBC was smart, he'd stay right where he is....

xmarkd400x · 10-20-2009, 10:10 AM

I'd imagine the Pats and TBC had some sort of gentleman's arrangement before he was let go. Unless the Browns really do something off the wall, I don't see anything changing.

JSn · 10-20-2009, 10:10 AM

If he goes to Cleveland, he's clearly suffering from a severe head injury.

***MoLewisrocks*** · 10-20-2009, 10:10 AM

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Originally Posted by robertweathers

If TBC was smart, he'd stay right where he is....

TBC has been there and done that with SF. Besides, who wants to go play with the ratboy. His own players hate him, the facility is a staph infection waiting to happen and they routinely throw each other under the bus. That's not leverage unless Eric starts offering double and guarantees it.

robertweathers · 10-20-2009, 10:12 AM

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Originally Posted by MoLewisrocks

That's not leverage unless Eric starts offering double and guarantees it.

Agreed. It would take a Brewsters Millions-type of deal to get TBC to jump to "The Rat Ship"

Armchair Quarterback · 10-20-2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pats1

Banta-Cain might have some leverage | ProFootballTalk.com

If the Pats released him with the understanding he would sign a new contract, it would be only a benefit to TBC not the Pats seeing that he was making the minimum. I doubt if that is the case he would sign with the Browns. Mangini is a weasel.

Synovia · 10-20-2009, 10:23 AM

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Even if he's not interested, Banta-Cain could flirt with the Browns in order to get something more than a prorated one-year minimum deal from the Patriots.

They've released like 5 guys today, so I really doubt, if they were planning on resigning him, they would be looking at one-year minimum. They wouldn't need to release him for the roster spot, and they're not saving any cap. I don't think 1-year minimum is even in play.

***MoLewisrocks*** · 10-20-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synovia

They've released like 5 guys today, so I really doubt, if they were planning on resigning him, they would be looking at one-year minimum. They wouldn't need to release him for the roster spot, and they're not saving any cap. I don't think 1-year minimum is even in play.

Florio is a dolt.

***Peachhead*** · 10-20-2009, 10:29 AM

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Originally Posted by JSn

If he goes to Cleveland, he's clearly suffering from a severe head injury.

Well put.

"Let's see. Stay with a team with a very good shot at a playoff spot & SB or go to a team with a very good shot of a top-5 draft pick and a coaching change next spring? Decisions, decisions."