BOLTON - There were a lot of shots launched at the Patriots Charitable Foundation golf tournament yesterday at The International, but none from Logan Mankins at the team or Vince Wilfork.
The rugged left guard, who has started all 56 games (including playoffs) in his NFL career, takes pride in the fact that he hasn't missed a game or a practice as a pro. He also hasn't missed the team's veteran-attended organized team activity sessions.
Mankins's presence at the OTAs is notable because, like Wilfork, who has skipped OTAs to demonstrate his displeasure about a new contract, Mankins is entering the last year of his rookie deal and looking for an extension. Unlike the no-show nose tackle, Mankins is not at the point where he is staying away to try to expedite the process.
But Mankins, who is entering the final season of a five-year deal, said he can't fault Wilfork for deciding to sit out voluntary activities.
"Vince's situation is different than mine," said Mankins. "He's a year older. He's played one more year than I have, so he's looking at it from a different angle than I am.
"Vince, he's a good guy, a good teammate. He's always been good to this franchise, and he has to do what he has to do."
Mankins was asked if sitting out OTAs was an option for him. He said of course it was an option, but he felt obligated to attend.
"You know I signed a contract," he said. "I'm here to play, so until I don't have one I'll be there."
Mankins said his focus is on the 2009 season and that his contract "will take care of itself when either they give me a new one or I move on next year."
However, it could be more complicated than that for Mankins, who will make $1.4 million in base salary this season. This is the final salary-capped year of the current collective bargaining agreement, and if the NFL Players Association and the league can't reach an agreement on a new CBA, then under the terms of the final year of the current CBA, the required service time for unrestricted free agency in an uncapped year would jump from four years to six years. This season will be Mankins's fifth, so barring a new CBA, he would be a restricted free agent.
Mankins said he was aware of that circumstance.
When asked if there had been any talks on a new deal, Mankins said to ask his agent, Frank Bauer, or Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
Bauer did not return a call seeking comment, and Belichick was not available for comment.
The 27-year-old Mankins, who made the Pro Bowl in 2007 and was part of a line last season that paved the way for the Patriots to rush for 2,278 yards - the sixth-highest total in team history and highest since 1985 - admitted he would prefer to have a deal in place before the expiration of his contract.
"Of course, you always wish you had everything taken care of early, but it's up to the Patriots, what they want," said Mankins. "It's out of my hands. It's whatever they want to do."
They might be taking different tacks, but Mankins and Wilfork are hoping to end up in the same place - with the Patriots for the long term.
"I've had a great time here," said Mankins. "I like the coaching staff. I like the players. I like the community, the fans. Everything that has happened to me here has been pretty good so far. I'd love to stay here. Who knows if I get to or not?"
