Pittsburgh Steelers: Logan Mankins and Other Free Agent Possibilities

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a bigger splash in free agency to date than they have in the last several years combined.

The addition of veterans with recognizable names and talent is rare. So much so that when mid-level veterans like Antwaan Randle El, Arnaz Battle, Will Allen, and Jonathan Scott all signed the dotted line within a few days of each other, Steeler fans knew it was far from business as usual.

Yet, with all the money spent on mid-level guys and renewing the contracts of both Casey Hampton and Ryan Clark, could the Steelers still be on the market for another piece or two this off-season?

There are a few options that make sense...

Justin Fargas: RB—UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT

Fargas is the under-the-radar player of the off-season. While there is little to no flash or dash to his game, Fargas is a rock solid runner who has gotten the short end of the stick due to Al Davis’ obsession with freakish speed in Oakland.

Fargas was the featured back in the Oakland offense only twice since being drafted in the third round by the Raiders. Sometimes because of injuries, but more so because of the revolving door on the head coach’s office in Oakland, Fargas’ role changed as frequently as a daytime soap star.

The one role that never changed for Fargas was on short yardage and goal-line situations. Fargas may not be the fastest guy on the field, but he chews up tough yards with his 6’1”, 210-pound frame.

The Super Bowl champion Saints, along with Cleveland and Philadelphia, have expressed interest in Fargas. There have been reports of physical issues, but Fargas denies the claim and it has never been confirmed.

With Rashard Mendenhall being the only sure No. 1 back on the Steelers’ roster, and rookie Jonathan Dwyer still being a relative question mark at this point, Fargas could be a reasonable addition to their roster in terms of service and price.

Logan Mankins: OG—RESTRICTED FREE AGENT, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The question is…

Is an All-Pro offensive guard, still in his mid-twenties, worth a first-round pick?
At this point, Mankins is a restricted free agent with the New England Patriots. At the beginning of the off-season, the Patriots tendered him at the highest possible level ($3.26 million).

Mankins refused to sign the tender. He later revealed that the Patriots asked him to play out the 2009 season under his former contract because of the uncertainty of the CBA, and that they would address his contract after the season.

Mankins did just that, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl for the second time in three years.

The Patriots tendered him, and then offered him a contract that would have paid him $7 million a year over the course of five years. While the deal would have made him one of the top five paid guards in the NFL, it is a full 20 percent lower than the deal the Saints gave Jahri Evans recently.

“I was asked to play '09 out, and they would address the contract after the uncapped year. I'm a team player, I took them at their word, and I felt I played out an undervalued contract. Promises were made. That's the big thing. Right now, this is about principle with me, and keeping your word and how you treat people. This is what I thought the foundation of the Patriots was built on. Apparently, I was wrong. Growing up, I was taught a man's word is his bond. Obviously, this isn't the case with the Patriots," said Mankins.

Once Mankins did not sign the tender, the Patriots withdrew their offer and lowered the one-year tender to 110 percent of his 2009 salary ($1.54 million) as of the June 15th deadline.

The Patriots' move has only deteriorated the relationship between the two parties.

"At this point, I'm pretty frustrated from everything that's happened and the way negotiations have gone. I want to be traded. I don't need to be here anymore," said Mankins.

How Mankins Fits In Pittsburgh

Logically, neither side wants to part ways, but neither is willing to budge. The time frame to tender offers for restricted free agents is officially over, but it seems to be more feasible for a team to deal for Mankins now more than ever.

Under the original situation, the Patriots would have commanded a first- and third-round pick in exchange for Mankins. After lowering the offer, and no deal being met, the only way to move him is to exchange picks or players with another team via a trade for his rights.

The new situation would give the team trading for Mankins the leverage to possibly acquire him for as low as a second round pick in the 2011 draft.

It may also earn them a small discount in signing him to a long-term deal.

While it us unlikely at this point, Mankins would be a perfect fit coming from the New England offense into the Steelers system.

He has never missed a game, starting all 80 games he has played in since his rookie season. His sack ratio is a league best, and he is a notable run blocker up the middle.

The acquisition of Mankins would allow the Steelers to start first round pick Maurkice Pouncey out at is natural position of center rather than starting him out at guard, eliminating the worst statistical center in the NFL in Justin Hartwig.

While Mankins would command top dollar, he is six years younger than Allan Faneca, and is entering the prime of his career. The Steelers would not pay top dollar for Faneca for that reason, but Mankins is worth every penny.

In terms of the pick, Mankins is a proven commodity, a player that any team would spend either a first or second round pick on if given the chance in the draft.

While the Steelers would not be willing to give Mankins the money Evens received in New Orleans, if they are willing to meet Mankins in the mid-sevens (top three money), they could possibly have the core to the offensive line they have been lacking.

LT: Max Starks
RT: Willie Colon
G: Logan Mankins
G: Chris Kemoeatu
C: Maurkice Pouncey

While the chances of the deal being done are low at this point, the Mankins situation is and should be on the radar.

Mankins and Kemoeatu have the ability to play either guard position. By preferably moving Kemoeatu to the right side, the Steelers would be book-ending a high pedigree rookie in Pouncey with two high caliber guards, allowing the Steelers to bring Pouncey along at his natural position while acquiring a leader that can make calls up front.

If the Steelers are looking to make a few moves to sure up their roster before training camp, Fargas and Mankins are the two available players that have the ability to have an impact this season for the Steelers.