As expected, the New England Patriots have placed their franchise tag on offensive guard Logan Mankins, this according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, who reported the news Monday afternoon. Schefter adds in his tweet the the "franchise OL number is projected to be $10.1 million."
It has been expected that the Patriots would use their franchise tag on Mankins since the two-week period opened on Feb. 10, with the Boston Herald reporting on Friday that Mankins would "definitely be tagged during the 14-day window." That window closes Feb. 24.
Mankins earned $1.54 million, after the team lowered his tender offer. The OG skipped the Patriots' mandatory June minicamp and remained unsigned through training camp, preseason and the start of the regular season. He eventually reported on Nov. 2, in advance of the team's Week 9 game -- three weeks earlier than he had to in order to be on the roster for the necessary six games to earn his an accrued season of free agency credit. Mankins started the final nine games of the season and was elected as a starter to the Pro Bowl.