My position on re-signing Mankins is this: 3 out of 5 starters on the current version of the offensive line are currently on the wrong side of 30. One is a LT who is still solid, but is probably not going to get another contract offered to him. One is a center whose struggles against bigger NT's and DT's (like the ones we face in this division) have become more prominent this season. One is an oft-injured RG who gave serious thought to retiring after last season.
The way I see it, I would rather sign Mankins, a guy who has done nothing but stay healthy and play hard for us and a guy who is in the prime of his career. With him locked up at LG, we can then move Vollmer to LT should the team choose not to bring back Light. After that, we're looking at spending a high draft pick on either a center or a RG (both will be drafted, IMO, but one will probably be drafted high). Locking up Mankins not only gives us a top five guard for years to come and helps solidify the interior of the new look O-Line, but it also allows us to spend a high draft pick on the front seven next season and complete the rebuild of that area.
For me, it makes too much sense not to happen. I would give him a Mangold type of deal in a SECOND, without a moment's hesitation.
