Brian Banks draws interest from 49ers NFL

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The 49ers are among the teams that have expressed interest in linebacker Brian Banks, 26, a former blue-chip high school player who was wrongfully incarcerated for more than five years on a rape charge.

After his release in 2007, Banks spent five years on monitored patrol, with an electronic device strapped to his ankle, until his name was cleared May 24. Viewed as a longshot to make an NFL roster, Banks, who had to forfeit a scholarship to USC in 2002, has worked out for the Seahawks and Chargers.

His agent, Bruce Tollner, said Banks has visits lined up with several teams next week, but his schedule hasn't been finalized.

- Eric Branch

Gronkowski's deal: All-Pro Rob Gronkowski agreed Friday to a $54 million deal with the Patriots, the richest contract for a tight end in NFL history.

The six-year deal includes $18.17 million guaranteed.

Saints arbitration: A second arbitrator has ruled that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has the authority to discipline Saints players for their roles in a bounty program.

The players' union claimed Goodell is prohibited from punishing players for conduct before the CBA was signed in August. The union also sought to have player appeals heard by Art Shell and Ted Cottrell, who are jointly appointed by the league and union to review discipline handed out for on-field conduct.

But arbitrator Shyam Das ruled that Goodell is entitled to hand out the punishment and hear appeals in the matter.

Briefly: Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said linebacker Terrell Suggs will get his entire $4.9 million salary in 2012 regardless of how he tore his Achilles tendon. Suggs sustained the injury in April. He says it happened during a conditioning drill, but several witnesses say he was hurt playing basketball. ... The Chargers agreed to a one-year contract with running back Ronnie Brown. ... The Colts signed free-agent cornerback Justin King.

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