Patriots sign LB Banta-Cain

Mar 5, 2010 - 11:13 PM FOXBOROUGH, Mass.(AP) -- The New England Patriots re-signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Tully Banta-Cain on Friday, the first day of free agency, keeping their top pass rusher in the fold for another three years.

"I had some calls from my agent last night that we were going to try to get it done," Banta-Cain said in a conference call with reporters. "I was hopeful it would get done and it did. I'm happy about that."

Banta-Cain played for the Patriots' last two Super Bowl teams in 2004 and '05, before going to San Francisco as an unrestricted free agent in 2007. After two seasons, the 49ers released him and he re-signed with New England.

Last year, he had a career-high 10 sacks and 60 total tackles while starting 10 games.

"I was honored to have the opportunity to come back," he said. "Not many people get the opportunity to come back to where they started. I really wanted to make the most of the season. Despite the way things turned out for the team, I was able to have a significant role.

"It was a great experience to come back. Now I'm really looking forward to my future here."