Brian Banks Remains On Open Market Despite Another Seahawks Tryout

Pro Football Talk's Darin Gantt has the latest update on Brian Banks' situation, which unfortunately for the linebacker, is not good. Banks was recently exonerated earlier this NFL offseason of the assault and rape charge that he had been falsely imprisoned over, and has tried out for several NFL teams including the Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers and Seattle Seahawks.

His latest tryout for Seattle unfortunately didn't go so well as the team chose to go another direction. Gantt writes, "After making the rounds this summer, Banks had another workout with the Seahawks Thursday, but was again denied an opportunity when they signed Antonio Bryant to the one roster spot they had available."

Banks is still hoping to catch on with another franchise and injuries might play a major part in the possibilities. The Chiefs have plenty of camp hopefuls already at linebacker including Dexter Heyman, Caleb Campbell and others.

Brian Banks Earns 3-Day Mini-Camp Tryout With San Francisco 49ers

Brian Banks has made the rounds to a number of teams in hope of earning a roster spot on his long journey back from false incarceration to the world of football. The Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks were among the teams that Banks has already worked out for, but the San Francisco 49ers are giving Banks his biggest opportunity yet. The Sacramento Bee is reporting today that Banks will join the team for their upcoming mini-camp.

Matt Barrows writes. “Banks will take part in a three-day rookie minicamp, a source confirmed Friday. The Monday-Wednesday session will be the longest tryout Banks has had yet. He had a two-day minicamp tryout with the Seahawks and has had workouts with the Chargers and Chiefs.”

Banks has a feel-good story and everyone around the NFL is rooting for him. That said, he’s been off the field and away from playbooks for years now. The game has changed significantly and it will be a difficult road for him to actually make an NFL roster. Then again, he’s conquered long odds already.

No Word From Kansas City Chiefs Yet On Brian Banks Tryout On Tuesday

As the Kansas City Chiefs mandatory mini-camp is underway, a player of note is in town for a workout that no one is talking about just yet. Brian Banks was recently exonerated of rape charges that held him in prison for 62 months, and he’s now free to pursue his love of football that he wanted to years ago. On Tuesday, he was in town for a workout for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs were immediately on the radar of teams interested in looking at Banks along with the Seattle Seahawks among others. Yet the Chiefs gave no word on Banks’ performance thus far.

From the Chiefs official site, Josh Looney writes, “Linebacker Brian Banks was in town for a private workout on Tuesday, but Crennel didn’t have an update following practice. Banks was scheduled to workout for the Chiefs later in the afternoon and was not present at the team’s minicamp practice.”

Banks has a workout scheduled for Wednesday with the Seahawks, so something will come out soon regarding his work in KC.

Brian Banks Will Have Workout With Chiefs On Tuesday

The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the many teams that are interested in getting a first-hand look at former top high school prospect Brian Banks. Banks spent 10 years in prison after being wrongfully accused of rape. After being exonerated and freed, the linebacker is determined to return to the pursuit of his dream of playing in the NFL. Several colleges are interested in Banks and the player has received a workout with the Seattle Seahawks, as well as an invitation to their minicamp next week. The Seahawks obviously likes what they say.

Now it's time for the Chiefs to get some first-hand experience with Banks. Josh Looney from the official Chiefs website reports that Banks will receive his workout with the team on Tuesday afternoon. It is possible that the Chiefs may soon be considering adding another weapon to their roster during the offseason.

For more on the Chiefs' off-season plans, check out Arrowhead Pride.

Brian Banks Headed To Kansas City For Workout

Brian Banks will reportedly workout for Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel and his staff next week as the linebacker continues to visit with various NFL teams around the league. Banks reportedly has an invite from Seahawks coach Pete Carrill to take part in the team's upcoming minicamp.

Banks was reportedly in San Diego on Friday for a tryout with the Chargers but left without a contract offer. He is also rumored to have workouts set up with Washington, Minnesota and San Francisco.

Since having his rape conviction overturned after serving five years in prison, Banks has sat out on realizing his NFL dream. With that turn of events, Banks is thankful for the opportunity that has been presented before him.

"Two weeks ago, I was sitting at home, just being hopeful that I could secure my freedom. Now, I've had a flight to Seattle. I've been out here in San Diego. I had a chance to work out with coach (Norv) Turner. These opportunities are something I'll cherish for the rest of my life."

For more on the Chiefs off-season plans, check out Arrowhead Pride.

Brian Banks Expected To Work Out For The Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have already discussed their interest in Brian Banks and now they are going to bring him in for a workout. Banks has already gained interest from other team ever since he was released from prison, and he most recently worked out with the San Diego Chargers.

The Chargers are not bringing Banks back for a workout, but head coach Norv Turner believes Banks will find a spot with a NFL and that he "would not be against him."

Banks is also scheduled to be at a Seattle Seahawks mini-camp, plus the Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins have invited Banks in for a tryout.

Linebacker is the one position that the Chiefs did not pursue in the draft or so far through free agency, and Banks played linebacker in high school and was committed to play at USC.

Brian Banks Free Agency: Kansas City Chiefs' Interest In Linebacker Not Surprising

It might have taken some people by surprise that the Kansas City Chiefs would be interested in Brian Banks. When the former USC linebacker commit was recently released from jail after 62 months served for a rape did not commit, the Chiefs were among the teams initially listed as interested in looking at Banks as a free agent. Considering the team’s depth and roster, it shouldn’t be a surprise at all.

The Chiefs have a strong defensive mind in Romeo Crennel at head coach now and he’s been in Kansas City long enough to know his personnel inside and out. The team knows exactly what it wants each player to do at this point and it should be clear that the veterans who are present are able to do those things. Rookies like Dontari Poe and Dequan Menzie were brought in to help certain areas, but linebacker was left untouched in the draft and free agency.

ESPN’s Bill Williamson writes, “Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli has never struck me as someone who is interested in novelties or participating in publicly stunts. If he is interested in giving Banks a chance to be a Chief, Pioli must think it is worth exploring.”

Williamson is absolutely right in this one: KC would not just say they are interested for any sort of PR move. Other teams around the league might pull that sort of stunt, but the Chiefs are all business all of the time. Banks could compete as a special teams player to see if he could stick at a position where there are eventual spots to fill.

Then again, a player like Banks is going to have a long road ahead. Staying in shape is only the foundational work that a player must do. The reality is that Banks hasn’t been in a playbook for nearly a decade. He hasn’t earned game experience. The product would be so raw that he would likely need a lot of specialized coaching and attention.

But any potential help to the roster is worth checking out. It’s only a bonus that Banks’ story is so great.

Brian Banks Draws Interest From Chiefs, Chargers In AFC West

Brian Banks, the newly exonerated linebacker who was once committed to USC but sentenced to prison for a rape he did not commit, is drawing interest all over the place. Not only have the Kansas City Chiefs been linked to him with potential interest, but others such as the Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks have entered the picture. Now it appears that another team is interested from the AFC West:

Brian Banks, a LB prospect recently exonerated of rape, has no tryout scheduled yet with Chargers. But has been contact w/ team, per source.

— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) May 30, 2012

The reality is that many suitors will likely line up and Banks can take his time and enjoy this moment. He's definitely earned it, so there's no need to rush to judgment. The free agent signing period will continue through the summer as teams sign veterans and release them, shoring up rosters after injuries or signs of perceived weakness. Banks will provide a particularly compelling subplot for the team bringing him to training camp.

Chiefs Interested In Exonerated LB Brian Banks

The Kansas City Chiefs are one of several teams pursuing free agent LB Brian Banks, a former blue chip high school recruit who was recently released from jail after being falsely accused of rape almost a decade ago:

Redskins, Chiefs, Seahawks amongst the teams interested in recently-exonerated LB Brian Banks, via @ReillyRickis.gd/uSWMYi

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 30, 2012

Rick Reilly has his incredible story, but the short version is that Banks was a USC commit who served more than five years in jail after agreeing to plea bargain a rape accusation from a high-school classmate. Now, after she contacted him and admitted to fabricating the whole story, he's trying for a second chance in football.

Banks, only 25 years old, is still in excellent physical shape. According to his trainer, he's 6'2 245 and runs a 4.6 40, the type of measurements which will make scouts take notice, regardless of his background.

If he is able to make an NFL roster, in Kansas City or anywhere else, he will undoubtedly be one of the feel-good stories of 2012.

For more on the Chiefs off-season plans, check out Arrowhead Pride.