Jan. 28–HONOLULU — Logan Mankins told the Herald today he doesn’t believe he’ll be back with the Patriots.

The All-Pro guard doesn’t think the organization is committed to keeping him long term, or is willing to do what it takes to make that happen. The only way he sees he’d make a return for the 2011 season is if the Patriots slap the franchise tag on him, if it still applies, and that would not please him one bit.

“No, I wouldn’t be happy about that, if that’s what they chose to do, to be dealt that kind of hand,” Mankins said following the AFC team’s workout yesterday on a field at the Pro Bowl’s hotel complex. “But we’ll see what happens.”

Asked about remarks he made Wednesday, saying the Pats would be among 32 teams vying for his services in free agency, Mankins didn’t leave any room for misinterpretation. He painted an even grimmer picture.

“I would never say the door is totally shut,” he said. “But the way it’s looking right now, I don’t see it happening. I don’t see them trying to keep me, unless it’s with the franchise tag.”

Mankins said there has been no discussions on a new deal, and with the Pats holding the leverage of the franchise tag, he doubts they’ll step to the plate.


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