New England Patriots Playing Tag With Logan Mankins

All-Pro guard Logan Mankins has said publicly that he did not expect to be retained long-term by the New England Patriots, but also said he did not want the franchise tag.

Well here’s news for Mankins: the Patriots don’t care what you want.

New England has assigned Mankins the franchise tag, which is essentially a one-year deal that is 100 percent guaranteed. Salary is determined by the top five highest-paid players at that player’s position, so Mankins will make over $10 million in 2011.

Of course, because of the CBA uncertainty, the tag might not mean a thing. But at this point, it means the Pats will hold Mankins’ rights for at least the upcoming season.

Since the Pats don’t like having malcontents around the club-house, it could just be a way to get some value for him via a trade. Guards don’t usually bring in first-round picks, but it’s definitely not out of the realm of possibility for the Pats to get a second and possibly a late-round pick for a guy as good as Mankins.

It’s also possible that Mankins refuses to sign the franchise tender unless he’s guaranteed a trade. He’s shown a willingness to hold out before — as in, last season — so no one would be surprised to see him sit out the season and try again in 2012.