According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Patriots have officially placed the franchise tag on All-Pro left guard Logan Mankins. In his tweet, Schefter says that the tag number should be around $10.1 million for offensive lineman this season.
In his sixth NFL season, Logan Mankins made just over $1.5 million on his reduced restricted free agent tender. Mankins was upset with his contract situation, as he felt by playing out the entirety of his five year rookie contract that lasted through 2009, it was in good faith that the Patriots would reward him with a rich contract once he hit free agency. However, due to the CBA contract and the rules of the uncapped season, Mankins was a restricted free agent in the 2010 offseason. Although the two sides, at times, came close to an extension, talks ultimately broke down due to factors that may have been about more than just money ("apology-gate").
Mankins, at 29, has yet to miss a game due to injury in his NFL career. Despite playing in just nine games last season, his impact was so great, he was named as a first team All-Pro and Pro Bowl starter.