The New England Patriots have reportedly been busy on the first day full day back from the 132-day lockout. Head coach Bill Belichick reportedly told OLB Tully Banta-Cain that the team would be releasing him at week’s end. He was scheduled to make just over $2 million in 2011.
According to sources, Banta-Cain has several teams interested in him and it’s highly unlikely he will return to New England. Banta-Cain has 15 sacks over the last two seasons and had 45 tackles last year. He had abdominal surgery last Friday and will miss 4 to 6 weeks.
It was also announced by the Frank Bauer, agent of guard Logan Mankins, that the All-Pro lineman will report to camp on time and sign his franchise tag tender sheet unless Mankins and the club can work out a long term deal. If he signs the tender Mankins will earn $10.1 million in 2011.
The team also has reportedly signed several undrafted rookie free agents to help fill out roster spots towards the 90-man limit. These have not all been confirmed and have been pulled from various sites.
The reported signee’s are: OT Corey Woods (Akron); WR/KR Jeremy Ross (Cal); DE Alex Silvestro (Rutgers); LB Jeff Tarpinian (Iowa); OT Kyle Hix (Texas); DL Mike Berry (Auburn); TE/OT Will Yeatman (Maryland); LB Anthony Leonard (WVU); DE/LB Clay Nurse (Illinois) and LB Ryan Coulson (Nevada).
Sox and Dawgs will keep you up to date with all the Patriots news on a daily and on an as it happens basis for larger deals such as trades and big name free agents or cuts.
Follow Steve on Twitter @djstevem
