Anyone reading Bill Belichick’s heartfelt tribute to Logan Mankins would know that they didn’t want to trade him — right up until they did.
But they gave the best guard Belichick ever coached a true example of The Patriot Way on his way out the door.
Per multiple reports, the Patriots went to Mankins asking for some of his money back. He was scheduled to make $6.25 million this year and $6.75 million in 2015 and 2016.
It’s similar in theme to the spot defensive tackle Vince Wilfork was in this offseason, but enough paper was shuffled to allow him to stay.
But when Mankins balked at a pay cut, as you might imagine he would, he suddenly became expendable — as they all will be at some point.
Their pragmatism was the Buccaneers’ gain, as a problematic offensive line now has a bit more stability.