New England Patriots: Why They Should Franchise Tag Logan Mankins
Out of all of New England's free agents, left guard Logan Mankins is the most significant.
Mankins sat out most of the 2010 seasons while holding out for a new contract, and ultimately never got one. He ended up suiting up for nine games, and was a key player to protecting quarterback Tom Brady.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft mentioned during Super Bowl week in Dallas that he hopes Mankins will be signed long-term with New England.
However, with the CBA set to expire in March, and there's no news of forward progress of a new agreement—the only option is the franchise tag.
The Patriots should place their franchise tag on Mankins, and then potentially work out a new deal.
Here are a few reasons why New England should tag Mankins.
NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net.
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Top Performer at His Position
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Out of all of the offensive guards in the NFL, Mankins is one of the few household names.
Mankins is regarded as one of the top guards in the NFL, and is arguably the best pass protector and one of the best run-blockers.
New England has one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and it needs to do whatever it takes to protect its franchise player.
Mankins has been with the team since 2005, and has been named to three Pro Bowls—he's among the league's best at his position.
Work Out a Long-Term Deal
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During last year's off-season, the Patriots placed their franchise tag on defensive linemen Vince Wilfork.
New England tagged Wilfork, and then the first day of free agency, the Patriots signed him to a five-year, $40 million contract.
If contract talks with Mankins are virtually dead right now, tagging him would be a smart idea.
Once tagged, the two sides can sit down and work out a new contract. It's reported that Mankins does like New England, and owner Robert Kraft said "I just personally want to say, I hope he's with us for a long term...We're going to try to do whatever we have to do to make sure that happens."
Top Playoff Performer
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In Mankins's five-year career, he's been to the playoffs four times, and has played in 10 playoff games.
In those 10 games, Mankins did not give up a sack.
Once in the playoffs, you go against the league's best defenses, and Mankins has faired verywell against the opposing pass rush. Mankins is a proven player that will not back down from the playoff spotlight.
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If All Else Fails...Trade 'Em
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If Mankins and his agent do not come to terms with New England's front office, the Patriots can just trade Mankins away.
In 2009, New England traded away one of its best players, defensive lineman Richard Seymour, to the Oakland Raiders for a first-round draft pick in 2011.
With Mankins being one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL, and still in his prime, many teams would love to add him to their pass protcetion.
If all else fails, Mankins being traded could bring much some high draft picks, or possibly an impact player.
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