Lock Up Logan: Why Pats Can’t Let Mankins Leave

January 29, 2011   ·   Richard Hurd   ·   Jump to comments

The Logan Mankins situation is beginning to make the Patriots dealing with Asante Samuel in 2007 look upbeat. For those that don't remember, after leading the NFL in Interceptions in 06', Samuel became a restricted free agent and rather than lock up their franchise cornerback, the Pats played hardball. Samuel was handed the franchise tag, and preceded to hold out until he was giving assurances that if he signed the franchise tender, he would become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 07' season.
He did, and left to sign a lucrative contract with the Eagles, the Patriots had been trying to replace his presence. A presence that if Devin McCourty hadn't played like he did as rookie, they'd still be looking for.
Now the same situation appears to be playing out with All-Pro Left Guard Logan Mankins. Mankins who was already giving the franchise tag last year, sat out eight weeks this past season, before returning in Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns. Still, with half the...

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