Mankins A No-Show at Workouts

Restricted free-agent Logan Mankins has stayed away from the voluntary off-season workouts which began at Gillette Stadium this week. Since he is not under contract, there is no obligation to be there according to his agent.

Mankins has been caught, along with 200 other fourth and fifth year players in the quandary of being a restricted free-agent due to the lack of a Collective Bargaining Agreement. He was tendered the highest offer possible by the Pats, a one year contract for $3.268 million which stays on the table until June 15th. If Mankins receives an offer that exceeds that amount and the Pats decline to match it, the team will receive a first and third round draft pick. After June 15th, the amount drops to $1.54 million which is 110% of his 2009 salary.

Mankins does not have much leverage,especially if he decides to holdout. Although the money is a substantial raise, it is only for one year and provides no long term security. Mankins has never missed a game or practice since being selected in the first round in the 2005 draft. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice.

Look for Mankins to wait until June 15th to sign his tender unless he gets a better offer that the team declines to match. As an anchor of the line, it would make a lot of sense for the team to sign him to a long term contract. Mankins is caught in a situation faced by so many other players of his status.