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.
Banta-Cain might have some leverage
Posted by Mike Florio on October 20, 2009 11:00 AM ET
Why the hell would he (or anyone for that matter) want to go with mangini? No ones going to believe that. Zero leverage there.
Florio: You posted this story twice, did you get caught with the ole "Comment Submission Error"?
Good luck in Cleveland
Think before you write - "Banta-Cain leaves Pats for the 1-5 Browns because he loves Cleveland in the winter" is a headline we won't be seeing.
This will be a non-story in a few hours. The Patriots are going to resign both Banta-Cain and Alexander to two year contracts that gives them both an extra year, but lowers their cap #'s for this year.
This is a salary cap move.
He'd have to be insane to sign with the Browns over the Patriots unless the Browns offer him some ridiculous contract.
I have one suggestion. Next time you are talking about someone having leverage you should refer to it as hand a la George Costanza. That is all.
He'll come crawling back because Bill knows his stuff, when no one else seems to.
If TBC is actually stupid enough to go to the Browns & Mangina then good ridence to him....
personally, I don't think he's that dumb & will soon be back with the Pats & play for a real coach & contender....the Browns, oh please!!!!
He is a UFA so of course he has leverage. The Browns and the Pats are probably the only two teams that would be interested, and I can't believe TBC would want to play for the Browns unless they are offering stupid money.
This might be the only site, where 90% of the stuff written is moronic...and the people make sure to let Florio know that. You get no respect for garbage like this....Who the hell would go to Cleveland? If he goes to Cleveland I will never post another negative thing about Florio, but once again..add this BS to picking the Skins to win it all...no credibility!
Stop using your paper boy as the "league source". It's embarrassing. Cut, resign, extend. All teams do it, so maybe you should grasp this concept and stop "creating" speculation
Cleveland LOL You are funny Florio
Maybe Deion Branch is going back to the Patriots.
I don't get this move otherwise since they already cut Mathews and Galloway.
Darth Jay,
Since Banta-Cain was on the 53 man roster on week 1 his salary was guaranteed. Any new contract with him from any team, including the Patiots, will be in addition to the original salary that he was owed this year. This isn't a salary cap move seeing in Banta-Cain will get getting 2 salaries this year when he signs again.
People who think a guy wouldn't go from a winning team to a losing team don't pay attention. It happens all the time. Understand its a job. Sure players like to win but the worst team in the NFL never has problems finding 53 guys willing to play for them.
if i had the choice betwixt pats and browns, i would def go with the pats. i'd rather be a backup/special team guy on a winner than starting for a loser.
anything or anyone would help the Browns