Via Boston.com

Chris wrote a piece on Logan Mankins’ contract dispute with the Patriots about a week ago that seemed to miss the big picture with restricted free agents and contract extensions currently in the NFL.  Every team seems to have a story of a player looking for an extension or long term contract that GMs hesitate to offer.  Most of these issues come from the ongoing labor battle between NFL owners and the NFLPA and the transition to the new rules of the current collective bargaining agreement.  Chris did mention the collective bargaining agreement situation however did not get into enough detail about other teams with the same problems.

For example, the Chargers continue with an even worse showdown involving TWO players: Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil.  Both are essential to their offense’s continued success this upcoming season.  They also refuse to sign their restricted free agent tenders, however General Manager A.J. Smith will not negotiate new long term contracts for either player.  With both sides not able to see eye to eye I doubt their contract disputes will end well.

Furthermore, examples of teams carefully planning out their extensions are all over the NFL.  Scores of teams have avoided long term contracts in general.  The Jets have yet to reach out to Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold or outstanding linebacker David Harris for new contracts.  Darell Revis hasn’t received a worthy enough offer from them.  Although these players are important to the Jets continued improvement, they don’t want to offer a long term deal that could create complications with a new CBA.  Chris Johnson also feels this pain as the Titans seem uninterested in extending the 2,000 yard runner’s contract.

Simply put, the Patriots are taking full advantage of the powers given to them by the CBA with an eye towards the uncertain future.  The only reason Mankins was told to wait was due to the CBA situation.  Ty Warren, Dan Koppen, Matt Light, Tom Brady and Richard Seymour (earlier in his career) are all terrific examples of players taken care of before their contracts ran out in the Bill Belichick era.  Ever since labor turmoil became a reality, the Patriots needed to think hard about what kind of extensions or contracts they give to players like Wilfork and Mankins.  Both players likely would have new deals by now in a world of labor peace.  Unfortunately one almost got ugly while the other actually got ugly as the Patriots carefully prepare for a possible lockout in 2011 or new rules that could greatly change the financial situation for player contracts.  Mankins cannot see past his own contract and misses the big picture, although he does deserve a significant raise.  The Patriots just can’t tell how that will work out with a new CBA.  You also cannot fault the Patriots all that much considering their contract offer would make him one of the top 5 best paid guards in football according to the Boston Globe.

They remain very cautious with all deals they complete and their conservative approach has allowed the team to succeed at a high level for the past decade.  Every other team faces the same problem and each one will likely find a player unhappy about not receiving a long term contract.  I’d rather stay safe instead of breaking at every whim of top players.  A steady head will help the Patriots survive this awkward period.  Unfortunately, they might have to lose a top notch player while doing it.