After a long and drawn out process, Patriots owner Robert Kraft has finally given his Pro Bowl left guard what he’s been pining for – a long-term deal.
Initially reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and confirmed by the Boston Herald’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots and Logan Mankins agreed to terms on a new six-year contract.
Financial terms of the new pact have yet to be released, though Rapoport was told that Mankins is now the highest paid interior lineman in the league.
Earlier in the day, Kraft hinted that a new contract was in order for Mankins, who the organization intended to keep a “Patriot for life.”
“I hope us locking up our core veterans and bringing in these seasoned veterans as I call them (will help),” Kraft said. “Probably, you’ll see our good friend Logan Mankins will be signed up soon, hopefully, to be a Patriot for life. That couldn’t have happened if we didn’t do our planning.”
Kraft and Co. wasted no time accomplishing just that.
The 29-year-old Mankins had been engaged in a dispute with New England, who designated the three-time Pro Bowler as their franchise player in February. Last year, he held out well into the regular season before reporting to the team in November.
Now that he’s locked up for the better part of the decade, Mankins can instead focus on maintaining his status as one of the best all-around offensive lineman in the NFL.
