National Football League

Report: Mankins signs 6-year deal

Published Aug. 10, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

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The New England Patriots signed three-time Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins to a six-year deal to end one of the NFL's most protracted contract disputes of recent years, the Boston Herald reported Thursday.

Mankins, who sat out the first seven games of the 2010 season in protest at what he claimed were broken promises over a new deal, finally agreed terms Wednesday.

The 29 year old's deal reportedly exceeds the seven-year, $56.7 million contract that New Orleans Saints guard Jahri Evans signed last year, meaning he will become the league's highest-paid interior offensive lineman.

The agreement also lessens the load on New England's salary cap. Prior to signing, Mankins was to earn $10.1 million on a one-year contract after being assigned the franchise tag in February.

Confirmation of his six-year deal came after owner Robert Kraft told reporters Wednesday that he hoped "our good friend Logan Mankins" would sign as a "Patriot for life."

"We very much think that Logan is among the best there is at his position," Kraft added. "We drafted him and we want him here."

The Patriots selected Mankins out of Fresno State in the first round of the 2005 draft.

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