The New England Patriots officially franchise tagged OL Logan Mankins today. Mankins who was eligible for free agency will now remain with the team for at least another season pending a new CBA and the use of the franchise tagging system. His projected 2011 salary if they fail to sign him long term and keep the tag on him will be around $10.1 million.
Mankins was a 1st round pick by the Patriots in 2005 out of Fresno State. He is a three-time Pro Bowl selection, a two- time All-Pro selection and he has started every game he has has played in (89).
Last season, Mankins was a restricted free agent and was tendered at $3.25 million for the season but due to his hold out they were able to lower the tender to 100% of his previous years salary or $1.54 million. He missed the first seven games of the season and played in the final nine earning a pro-rated version of the tender offer. Despite his hold out he was still named both to the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro teams.
To continune reading click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
Update: Here’s the release from the Patriots.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced that they are utilizing the franchise designation on guard Logan Mankins. Last year, the Patriots used the franchise designation to retain the rights to Vince Wilfork. The designation was later removed when the two sides agreed to a long-term contract extension.
Tonight, the Patriots confirmed the use of the franchise designation and issued the following statement: “Logan Mankins is a tremendous player. He has been a fixture on our offensive line since we drafted him in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft and he remains an important part of our future plans. Unfortunately, we have not been able to reach a long-term agreement, despite many attempts and proposals by both sides. That remains our objective in utilizing the franchise designation and we are hopeful that Logan will be a Patriot for many years to come.”
Mankins has started 89 regular season games and 10 postseason games at left guard since joining the Patriots as a first-round draft pick out of Fresno State in 2005. He has earned three Pro Bowl honors (2007, 2009 and 2010) and has been selected to the Associated Press All Pro team three times (2007, 2009 and 2010). Last season, he earned the honors despite missing the first seven weeks of the season. Mankins joins Hall of Famer John Hannah as the only Patriots’ guards to earn Pro Bowl bids since the 1970 merger.
Since entering the starting lineup as a rookie in 2005, Mankins has been part of an offensive line that has helped the Patriots’ offense finish in the top ten in total offense five times: 2005 (7), 2007 (1), 2008 (5), 2009 (3) and 2010 (8).
Follow Steve on Twitter @djstevem
Photo credit: Getty Images
SOX & Dawgs has been nominated for “Best Red Sox Blog” at the New England Sports Blog Awards! Please take a few moments from your day to vote for SOX & Dawgs by heading over to Trufan.com. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO VOTE. Thank you for your support not only in the voting but also to make the site what it is today.
