New England Patriots Place Franchise Tag on Logan Mankins

The New England Patriots officially placed their franchise tag on offensive lineman Logan Mankins Monday. 

Mankins, whose contract was set to expire, will now receive an estimated $10.1 million if he signs the contract tender. 

Assuming that Mankins will sign the tender, he will receive more money than he has in his first six years in the NFL. There has been no word on what Mankins will do with the tender. 

Because New England tagged Mankins, it is unlikely that any other team will offer Mankins a contract, especially with the uncertainity revolving around the CBA. If Mankins does agree to a contract with another team, therefore that team will have to give up some sort of draft pick(s) to the Patriots. 

If Mankins signs, New England will be able to negotiate a trade with another team. Mankins, who is seeking a long-term deal with a large amount of guaranteed money, will likely engage in more contract talks with the Patriots once a new CBA is agreed upon. 

The Pats dealt with a similar scenario regarding Vince Wilfork last season. The Patriots tagged Wilfork when he wanted a long-term deal. The two sides agreed upon a five-year, $40 million deal on the first day of free agency. 

New England has now used their franchise tag in four out of the last five off-seasons. 

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net.

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