Logan Mankins is a restricted free agent who has yet to sign his tender. The Patriots sent him a letter indicating they were going to reduce his tender level from $3.26 million to $2.54 million.
Patriots G Logan Mankins: ‘I Want To Be Traded’
Apparently, he didn’t like that. In comments to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, Mankins requested a trade from the Patriots.
“At this point, I’m pretty frustrated, from everything that’s happened and the way negotiations have gone,” Mankins said in a phone interview. “I want to be traded. I don’t need to be here any more.”
Mankins says he approached the Patriots following the 2008 season regarding an extension. Citing the uncertain labor situation, Patriots owner Robert Kraft reportedly told him he would extend his contract following the 2009 season.
Those negotiations, Mankins says, haven’t been going well. He feels the Patriots have taken advantage of him.
“Right now, this is about principle with me and keeping your word and how you treat people. This is what I thought the foundation of the Patriots was built on. Apparently, I was wrong. Growing up, I was taught a man’s word is his bond. Obviously this isn’t the case with the Patriots.”
Unfortunately for Mankins, the Patriots hold the cards here. They own his rights and can do with them what they please. If he doesn’t sign by the 10th week of the season, he’ll lose an accrued season toward free agency.
Mankins was the Patriots first round pick in the 2005 draft.
For more on this situation and how Patriots fans are handling it, check out SB Nation’s Pats Pulpit.
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