It's been a weird couple years for G Logan Mankins and the New England Patriots. Mankins, a 2005 first round pick, has yet to reach free agency. He was one of those fifth year players who, in a normal year would be a free agent, was restricted because of the uncapped 2010 season.
Patriots Owner Wants To Keep Logan Mankins A ‘Patriot For Life’
He sat out for half the season in protest of his deal and, after the season ended, they restricted him again through the franchise tag. Mankins was obviously frustrated.
After all that, and the situation last year, it sounds like Mankins could actually stay in New England long-term. He has already signed his franchise tender guaranteeing him over $10 million in 2011 but Patriots owner recently told reporters that he hopes Mankins will soon be a “Patriot for life.”
Mankins said last week that it’s possible he could remain in New England on a long-term deal. Kraft’s words strongly suggest that something like that is in the works.
One wrinkle in the new rules: because Mankins is a franchised player, the two sides can’ strike a long-term deal only until Sept. 20. After that, they can’t sign him until after the season.
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