Friday New England Patriots Links 2/11

A quiet news morning, but here are today's colleciton of Patriots headlines from around the internet.

Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald writes that Logan Mankins will definitely have the franchise tag placed on him during the 14-day window given teams, and says it could potentially happen as early as today. Rapoport speculates that instead of just a one year deal for the offensive lineman, the Patriots may be using it to extend the negotiation period with Mankins, much like they did with Vince Wilfork.

ESPN Boston's Mike Rodak has an article on free agent runningbacks, and ponders some of the names that will be available to potentially fill a need with this football team.

Michael Hurley of NESN reports that Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen broke the three point record last night against the Lakers in a 92-86 loss, but was congratulated by Patriots receiver Wes Welker afterward for his accomplishment. Hurley writes that Welker made a "toe" reference, and ponders if that may get him in further trouble with head coach Bill Belichick.

"Even though your toe was on the [3-point] line probably a few times, we're still gonna give it to you, man," Welker said. "You did a heck of a job."

Christopher Price of WEEI.com has a spotlight on New Orleans Saints free agent guard Carl Nicks, and wonders if he could be a fit here in New England.

FoxSports.com's Adam Caplan reports that Canadian Football League DE Phillip Hunt has received interest from several teams, one of which apparently included the Patriots. Hunt reportedly worked out for New England back on December 20th.

Pete Prisco of CBSSportsline.com has a mock draft, and has the Patriots taking Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri at #17, and Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State at #28.

ProFootballTalk.com reports that former Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour is expected to remain with the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders are reportedly expected to place the franchise tag on him (again), which should see him receive $14.9-million next season.

And finally while we mentioned another report from earlier this week that former Patriot Ray Lucas is in rehab battling drug addiction, according to USAToday he's detailing his progress on his Facebook page for those who want to follow how he's doing.

OTHER NFL HEADLINES:

Jarrett Bell of USAToday.com writes that according to one analyst, the sluggish pace of the negotiations in the NFL's ongoing labor dispute may drag on until September, which will likely delay the start of next season.

After seeing the roof collapse from heavy snow back in December, the Metrodome will reportedly get a new roof. According to Blomberg news the cost for the project is expected to be about $18-million, and it's hopeful that it will be completed in time for next season.

For those of you who follow College Football, according to USAToday.com Colleges are going to a 10-second runoff for penalties at the end of halves - which is the same rule that the NFL has.

And finally (just because it's ridiculous) it appears that Brett Favre isn't able to drag himself out of the spotlight just yet. FoxNews out of Phoenix reports that the former quarterback will be on Dancing With The Stars next season. I don't watch that show - and this would definitely give me a reason not to start.

That's it for this morning. Hope everyone has a good day and we'll see you tomorrow.