Patriots sign Banta-Cain and former UMass TE Brad Listorti

[DefenseRules]

Patriots blog - Reiss' Pieces - Boston.com

The New England Patriots have signed free agent linebacker Tully Banta-Cain and free agent tight end Brad Listorti. Terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

Mike posted more info in the press release.

 

[Lampshade]

Re: Patriots sign Banta-Cain

Welcome back, Tully! More competition at OLB/ST.

 

[WhiskeyBreath]

Re: Patriots sign Banta-Cain

You beat me by a minute to this thread so I axed mine. Interested in the terms of the deal.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Re: Patriots sign Banta-Cain

That's a twist.

 

[Deus Irae]

Re: Patriots sign Banta-Cain

Well, the axe that fell yesterday now makes more sense.

 

[maverick4]

Re: Patriots sign Banta-Cain

This makes me think aside from one more ILB in the draft, that we are set at linebacker. Look more for S, CB, and D-line

 

[DefenseRules]

Re: Patriots sign Banta-Cain

This makes me think aside from one more ILB in the draft, that we are set at linebacker. Look more for S, CB, and D-line

I honestly think that all of the kids that we picked up in the draft and the undrafted free agents are all in play at linebacker, IMO.

 

[BradyManny]

Re: Patriots sign Banta-Cain

That's a twist.

The fact that they are building up OLB depth lends credibility to the idea that AD is moving inside, at least for some formations.

 

[BradyManny]

Re: Patriots sign Banta-Cain

This makes me think aside from one more ILB in the draft, that we are set at linebacker. Look more for S, CB, and D-line

I'd agree - if there weren't so much dang talent at OLB in this draft...Sintim, Barwin, English. I think one of those guys still ends up on the squad.

What this might say is that the team and Pierre Woods are not in accord on what his value is - and that he might not be back next season. Of course, if that were the case, you think they'd just tender him.

 

[signbabybrady]

Very nice to have the Banta Clause back....tis the season for gifts hopefully bigger and better to come.

I like this though...What we know about Tully is he is a really good STer and played a nice role as a Sub OLB pass-rusher. He adds to the depth and competition of the position.


Vrabel, Thomas as starters and Tully and assuming we tender Woods as reserves makes a nice group at OLB and that doesn't even factor Crable. OLB looks pretty good. And since Vrabel and Thomas both can play inside this actually does alot to the overall depth of the LB position as a whole.

 

[Disco Volante]

Let's get back into '06 mode Tully.

 

[BradyBranch39]

I like this. TBC was pretty good for us.

 

[Deus Irae]

If TBC is actually getting signed to play linebacker and not just serve on special teams, it seems to me that one logical conclusion is that either Woods is gone or Crable isn't looking good.

 

[mayoclinic]

If TBC is actually getting signed to play linebacker and not just serve on special teams, it seems to me that one logical conclusion is that either Woods is gone or Crable isn't looking good.

That's what scares me. I don't like this move. I never thought TBC did much for us, and I was fine when the 49ers decided to overpay for him 2 years ago. We have a lot of developmental talent at OLB, and Woods showed more last year than Banta-Cain ever did IMHO. So I don't understand why we're resigning him, unless we're losing someone.

 

[farn]

If TBC is actually getting signed to play linebacker and not just serve on special teams, it seems to me that one logical conclusion is that either Woods is gone or Crable isn't looking good.

To be honest - if we're talking low $$$ and no garantees, it could just mean competition at LB and depth at ST. I'm not reading any more than that from this, with the exception that TBC knowing the system is also a plus.

 

[BradyManny]

That's what scares me. I don't like this move. I never thought TBC did much for us, and I was fine when the 49ers decided to overpay for him 2 years ago. We have a lot of developmental talent at OLB, and Woods showed more last year than Banta-Cain ever did IMHO. So I don't understand why we're resigning him, unless we're losing someone.

I like what Woods brings to the table and agree with virtually everything you say here except I come to a different conclusion b/c I think you're underrating TBC's play here. TBC had 43 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 1 FF in 2006, which ain't too shabby.

I'm on record saying I'm comfortable with Woods as the starting OLB in the base 3-4 given how he set the edge. I can't recall how TBC was as an edge setter b/c I mainly viewed his strength as pass rushing.

But if I'm the Pats, I'm moving Adalius to SILB in that base 3-4 and using somebody else at OLB in those early downs. Adalius' strength, size & speed at SILB in those early downs is the biggest upgrade this team can do on defense this offseason.

 

[JSn]

Say it with me, folks: 80 Man Limit

I think it means they called him and he was cheap and ready to come in and compete for a spot.

Plus his name makes me think of Jason Voorhees and who wouldn't want that guy rushing the passer?

 

[miDeuce]

To be honest - if we're talking low $$$ and no garantees, it could just mean competition at LB and depth at ST. I'm not reading any more than that from this, with the exception that TBC knowing the system is also a plus.

I believe this is the closest to the truth. If nothing else the Pats won't be forced into drafting any position. They can take the best available player. I think it's similar to the Victor Hobson signing last year. At the time it seemed like we needed him but then Guyton beat him out. Of course we wanted him back later in the year but that's besides the point...

 

[BradyBranch39]

I believe this is the closest to the truth. If nothing else the Pats won't be forced into drafting any position. They can take the best available player. I think it's similar to the Victor Hobson signing last year. At the time it seemed like we needed him but then Guyton beat him out. Of course we wanted him back later in the year but that's besides the point...

Yea, in no way is he guaranteed a spot.

 

[Deus Irae]

Say it with me, folks: 80 Man Limit

I think it means they called him and he was cheap and ready to come in and compete for a spot.

Plus his name makes me think of Jason Voorhees and who wouldn't want that guy rushing the passer?

Here's the problem I have with this logic, although it's certainly possible that you are correct........

There are now seemingly about 5 million NFL teams converting to the 3-4. Why would TBC dash back to New England with nothing but a "you can compete for a spot" with teams like the Jets, Chiefs, Cardinals, Broncos, etc... in play too?

It's possible that he really missed New England. It's possible that he/his agent is a complete idiot. It's more likely that "compete for a spot" has some real meaning. For the record, I have no issue with the signing. I have said all along that this is going to be a very interesting offseason, and I'm finding that move after move in the NFL is fascinating the hell out of me this year.

This is really shaping up to be the most interesting offseason in years, league wide. Hell, 2-3 more coaches were probably fired and hired in the time it took me to post this.