NFL Free Agency: Where Will Logan Mankins Land Next Year?

New England Patriots guard Logan Mankins is a top-tier offensive lineman in the NFL.

The former first-round NFL draft pick is one of the most durable players in football, and at just 28 years old, he's still in his prime.

So while rumors of where he'll go during his pending free agency are somewhat on hold while the New England Patriots prepare for the New York Jets in the playoffs, other teams will soon have to think about whether or not they'd pay up for Mankins.

Bill Belichick is notorious for not overpaying for players, but Mankins has proven to be a key contributor since returning from a hold out, and Belichick undoubtedly won't want him to leave.

That being said, he won't come cheaply.

Here are the 10 teams that are the likeliest to add Logan Makins, from least likely to most.

10. Indianapolis Colts

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: (L-R) Head coach Jim Caldwell and Reggie Wayne #87 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Colts really struggle running the ball, and Mankins is leading the best run-blocking team in the NFL (according to Football Outsiders).

But they're unlikely to pay what Mankins wants.

9. Carolina Panthers

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Head coach John Fox of the Carolina Panthers against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Panthers could also really use Mankins, but it's questionable whether a rebuilding team would pay this much for a lineman.

It will depend a lot on who the new coach is.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

J. Meric/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 26: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers directs his team against the Seattle Seahawks during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

A young team on the rise.

Solidifying the offensive line (with a few other upgrades) could push them into the playoffs.

7. Seattle Seahawks

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Head coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates the Seahawks 41-36 victory against the New Orleans Saints during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by

The Seahawks' line is absolutely putrid in run-blocking.  It is a solid pass-blocking unit, though.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 23: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers watches his team play against the Carolina Panthers during the game on December 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The Steelers can't protect Ben Roethlisberger.

5. Philadelphia Eagles

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after their 21 to 16 loss to the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (

They need to keep Michael Vick healthy.

4. Chicago Bears

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears is sacked by Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 2, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Possibly the worst offensive line in the NFL, when you look at both pass and run-blocking.

3. Green Bay Packers

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers is sacked by Henry Melton #69 and Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on January 2, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Im

An elite team, but a glaring weakness on the offensive line.

Mankins wouldn't mind going to a team with their talent.

2. New England Patriots

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 20: Logan Mankins #70 of the New England Patriots against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium on September 20, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

It'll be tough for Mankins to leave the Patriots, especially if they win the Super Bowl.

But he might have to take a hometown discount.

1. Washington Redskins

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LANDOVER - SEPTEMBER 19: Owner Daniel Snyder of the Washington Redskins walks the sidelines before the game against the Houston Texans at FedExField on September 19, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Texans defeated the Redskins 30-27 in overtime. (Photo b

They don't need him as badly as some of these other teams, but offensive line is still a huge need for the Redskins.

If Dan Snyder can fit Mankins under the cap (who knows what the cap-situation will be like), he would assuredly be willing to spend the necessary money.

Since he's already won Super Bowls, why not cash in?

Matt Rudnitsky is a student at the University of Michigan and a Featured Columnist/writing intern at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Mattrud.