RhodyPatriot

http://www.csnne.com/05/23/11/Mankin...72&feedID=3352


Logan Mankins sounds more open to staying with Patriots | ProFootballTalk

The Patriots need Logan Mankins to be here.

Rob0729

It takes two to tango. You can't assume that the Pats blew it a year ago. They might have, but Mankins could have just taken the who negotiating process far too personally and let his feelings get in the way. The rumors that came out last year supports both sides of the argument.

JoeSixPat

Admitting that I - and presumably nearly all of us here - have absolutely no idea what actually transpired last year - I've generally found that there's fault on both sides of these issues when they crop up.

No doubt Mankins was a "victim" of the expiring CBA and the additional year of restricted free agency - but Mankins also needs to recognize that all teams are within their rights to franchise players as well - just as Mankins is within his "rights" to sit out a portion of that season.

I'd guess that Mankins agent - who has a lot to gain from a new contract too - might also be guilty of fanning the flames behind the scenes too.

All sides need to recognize that all parties have common interests even if they have differing positions. Ultimately my feeling is that the Patriots are a much stronger team with Mankins than without him so I'm hoping they can find some common ground.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

JoeSixPat

I'm really not sure how big an issue that was... I remember Ty Law saying things about Belichick that were pretty harsh during some negotiations. Eventually both put the rhetoric aside and played football.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Gumby

the latest stories from the Andruzzi benefit about Mankins-Solder should give cause for optimism.

If the Patriots had no intentions of re-signing Mankins; would his really be the ONLY OL's phone number they would give the rookie before the lockout was re-established???

Triumph

All depends on the cost of Mankins contract.

If he wants to be paid as the highest Guard in the NFL, then Id rather take my chances with Cannon.

IcyPatriot

Does the highest paid guard in the NFL give you a better shot at a Super Bowl?

... Or does a very good guard and depth at other positions give you a better shot?

I just don't see how paying all that money to a guard gives us a better chance ...

Have we won a Super Bowl since he's been here?

part-timer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Long term big bussiness planing right before our eyes and no one see's it. Last year the Pats expected Mankins to play out the RFA tender for 3 mill., and it was reduced to 1.5 mill. for not reporting on time. Then he only earned 9/16's($843,750.00) of it showing up late season. The schedual being what it was allowed for Connoly to fill in admiarly and have Mankins come in fresh for the end run into post season. I believe this had to cut into Mankins leverage, check the board posts from last year and see all the Mankins posts not missing him so much with Connoly preforming well. This year Manking is taged for $10 mill. and would be crazy not to work for more this year than he has earned in his career. Also 50% of our OL problems have been addressed by the drafting of Soldier and Cannon, further reduceing Mankins leverage. Next year if taged Mankins will earn just under 13 million, and the Pats will need just a OG and OC to have compleately rebuilt the OL in three years. If a Quality OG is drafted next year Mankins leverage will have been eliminated. What will it have cost the team to keep Mankins threw the 2012 season, $843,750 + 10 mill. + 12.5 Mill. =23,343,750 Mill. /3 =$7,781,250 per year.
The Pats original offer to Mankins was in the range of 7-8 Mill. for 4-5 year contract range. If it is determined after the draft Mankins is not needed the Pats will have payed an average of under $5.5 mill for two years while they rebuilt the OL, and the Pats will not have to have been locked into a high priced contract long term. So, who's statigy was successful, who won the contract battle? Mankins had the power to determine his future with last years offer. I believe this years offer will not be as profitable because he has lost leverage. Mankins still has the ability to pick his future but the window may close and a final decision to his future may be determined in the first two rounds of next years draft. I do like Mankins on the OL but he is not irreplaceable. 2012's OL could look like Soldier LT,Cannon LG, Draft pick/Wendle C,Draft pick/connolly RG, Vollmer RT.

Rob0729

That is just one side of the story. The Krafts said that never happened. Mankins' side never really publically confirmed or denied it either.

patsfanboy

I'll say trade him if we can get a 1st or even a high 2nd that more than enough for me, he wants way to much money. We still had a great OL last season without the guy and with the new rookies we can afford to trade him.

Ps: I still hate how this guy is a pro bowler, but disappear in the playoffs.