Logan Mankins finally signs with New England Patriots
The New England Patriot's Pro Bowl guard, Logan Mankins, who had been holding out for more money, has finally decided to accept his tender and sign with the Patriots.
Mankins initially turned down the Patriots offer of $3.26 million, and by failing to sign by June 14, the offer dropped to $1.54 million, and which will drop even further by being prorated over the team's remaining nine games. By signing Mankins will, however,
ensure that he qualifies as an unrestricted free agent for next season.
"Logan came in, I met with him this morning, and it's good to have him back on the team," Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said about the signing. "He's been a great player and person for our football team. He's tough. He's smart. You just can't have too
many guys like that on your football team. We're glad he's back."
The Patriots, at 6-1, currently have the NFL's best record, and the addition of Mankins should only make them better, which should make both Tom Brady, and the Patriots corps of running backs, very happy.
Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears expressed his, and his personnel's, excitement of Mankins' return by saying, "The guys are jumping for joy. Having another playmaker like him coming back to us, we're kind of excited about it. Plus, he's fresh."
The Patriots travel to Cleveland to take on the Browns in their next game, and although Mankins will be available, the Patriots have made it clear that Mankins' status will be day-to-day and that those players who preform best at practice should expect to
get the start.
One of those players who hopes to make a case for himself at practice over the week is Dan Connolly who has served as Mankins' replacement for the first seven games of the season. Connolly has done a good job as part of the Patriots offensive line allowing
only twelve sacks so far this season.
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