The Patriots Make Their First Move Of The Offseason and re-sign Tully Banta-Cain

The Patriots have announced their first move in the new free agency period, by retaining last season's sack leader Tully Banta—Cain.

Last season was the beginning of Banta—Cain's second stint in New England, as he previously played for the Patriots from 2003—2006 (four seasons).  He then spent two years in San Francisco, before returning to the Patriots last season, eight days after his release by the 49ers on January 8th, 2009.

Banta-Cain had his most productive year as a professional, last year, racking up 54 total tackles on top of 9.5 sacks.  As the feature pass rusher on what was an unspectacular New England defense it was obviously a priority for the Patriots to resign him and they did so during the first 24 hours of free agency.

Banta-Cain's deal is reportedly threeyears long and averages just about $4.5 million per season.  It includes certain incentives that could possibly boost the deal to be as rich as $6 million per season.

This is a great deal for the Patriots and was something the had to get done,and get done quickly. 

With their rivals the Jets (trading for CB Antonio Cromartie) and the Dolphins (currently courting LB Karlos Dansby) both making moves early in the off—season, the Patriots had to show their faithful fans that they weren't content to simply stand idly by. 

Granted signing Banta—Cain doesn't carry quite the impactful weight as either Cromartie did or Dansby would for either of our rival teams, but it at least shows us someone is awake at Patriots headquarters.

I should also note here that I saw several stories this morning reporting that the Patriots, despite not being DE Julius Peppers' first stop (or most likely location) have sent a contract offer to his agent.  They're joined in their pursuit of the highly coveted pass rusher by the Eagles, who also sent an offer.