The Tully Banta-Cain era has come to an end in Foxborough, as the New England Patriots will reportedly release the linebacker, possible as early as Thursday at 4:01 p.m. when the NFL re-opens waivers.
Patriots have informed LB Tully Banta-Cain, who had 15 sacks the past two seasons, that he will be released Thursday.less than a minute ago via UberSocial for BlackBerry 
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Adam Schefter
AdamSchefter
Banta-Cain has played with the Patriots for six seasons in two separate stints. He was drafted by the Patriots with the No. 239 overall pick in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft.
In his first four seasons with the Pats, Banta-Cain won two Super Bowl rings and racked up 91 tackles (64 solo) and 8.5 sacks in 54 games. Banta-Cain has 249 career tackles and 27 sacks in eight seasons.
Last year with the Patriots, Banta-Cain had 45 tackles and five sacks. In 2009, Banta-Cain recorded a career-best 9.5 sacks and 54 tackles in 16 games.
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