With NFL free agency in full swing, the New England Patriots made their first big move by informing outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain that he will be released on Thursday, the first official day they can. The announcement comes just a few days after news hit that Banta-Cain will need surgery for an abdominal injury. Banta-Cain has been very productive for the Patriots as he was second on the team in sacks last season. Many people wonder how Bill Belichick will fill the role Banta-Cain had which is now left vacant.
It seems unlikely Banta-Cain's injury was the main reason he will not be returning to the Patriots in 2011, as he is only scheduled to miss four to five weeks. My guess is Belichick will use second year pass rusher Jermaine Cunningham in a much larger role this year. It is unlikely - despite how much people want it to happen - that Belichick will sign a big name player to help with the pass rush. Players who will also have a bigger role will be Eric Moore and Rob Ninkovich.
The Patriots open their season in Miami on Monday Night Football.
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