Logan Mankins and Ryan Wendell contract situations

The Patriots are in a tight situation when it comes to salary cap space and are going to need some money to re-sign Aqib Talib and Julian Edelman. Logan Mankins can help the cause by lowering his cap number by way of a contract extension, although the Patriots have not approached him about the matter. Mankins signed a 6-year, $51 million contract in 2011 and has the 3rd highest cap number in 2014 behind only Tom Brady and Vince Wilfork. Approaching Mankins would be a good idea for the Patriots to lower his $10.5 million cap hit and a source said he is open to an extension, especially because of a potential fresh signing bonus.

Ryan Wendell, who has started 32 straight games at center and is only 27-years-old, has also not been approached about a new contract, although unlike Mankins, he is without a contract altogether and is an impending free agent. It's obvious Wendell isn't a top priority for the Patriots, who discontinued talks with the center midway through the 2013 season.

Mankins is the priority obviously, but the Patriots shouldn't overlook Wendell. He is not an All-Pro center and chances are he won't become one, but he is serviceable and reliable. In 2012 he played 1,379 snaps, the most of any player in the NFL. @joeloobs @patriotslife

Via:
Boston Globe