The internet is ablaze with all things Mankins and of course it will get far out of hand. So to avoid getting in twitter battles here’s my stance:
First, I don’t see how this is any different than Deion Branch, Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, etc. THE PATRIOTS DO WHAT IS BEST FOR THE PATRIOTS. Some people don’t like this. They love their players and they don’t want the Patriots to be mean to them. Look, I love having a mean brute like Mankins as much as any other Patriot fan, but that doesn’t mean I like him more than I like watching the Patriots win games.
This is how this team operates. They aren’t nice and cuddly. They use every advantage they’re afforded in the CBA. If you aren’t already aware of this you aren’t paying attention.
Mankins says the Patriots didn’t keep their word. Well there’s a contract on the table. It might not be as much as Mankins and/or his agent want, but they kept their word. They offered him a long term deal.
We all know how much athletes are paid. Most of us get by, supporting our kids and families on a fraction of what they make. So let’s no blow this out of proportion. 20% less than what Jahri Evans got is still more money than most of us will ever see in our lifetime. I’m not holding it against Mankins, but let’s temper the outrage a little bit.
There’s been a lot of talk of “The Patriot Way” today. Sarcastic mentions as if some mythical philosophy that apparently just died with Mankins demanding a trade. I don’t understand this. The Patriot way was selfless players giving up individual accolades for the good of the team. I don’t think this philosophy in any way relates to Mankins unless you want to say taking less money is being selfless. I don’t think that. It certainly helps, but players have to do what they think is right for them.
As we saw with Wilfork they will get contracts done with players who are flexible, but Mankins crossed a line today, one that he might not be able to go back on.
What the Patriots will do is anyone’s guess. But I can guarantee one thing, they will do what’s best for the Patriots.
8:37pm EST Update: So now word gets out that Mankins has an offer of $7million/year on the table which would put him in the top 5 guards in the NFL. This is what the Patriots do, they’ll pay good money, but they’re not gonna break records. So, what you got to say about that Logan?
