Patriots deal OL Logan Mankins to TB for TE Tim Wright

With only 10 days left until NFL regular season kicks off, teams are still finding ways to improve their rosters and get in better shape for Week 1.

As of 1:00 pm, Tuesday, August 26th,  The New England Patriots reportedly dealt six-time Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for TE Tim Wright and a fourth round draft pick.

Mankins has been a cornerstone of the Patriots O-line over his entire nine-year tenure in the NFL (All with NE), and has been extremely reliable for NE during times of transition for the Patriots front five.

A move like this must say a couple of things, so here are my rapid reactions:

Faith in Younger O-linemen

Outside of OL Sebastian Vollmer and LT Nate Solder, New England has a large amount of uncertainty on who will be Brady’s body guards come Week 1. Marcus Cannon and Dan Connolly are heavy favorites if they make the 53 man roster, but a move like this strongly indicates that the Patriots have some level of faith in younger offensive linemen such as Jon Halapio, Cameron Fleming and Bryan Stork. The Patriots will remain hopeful these rookies will be ready and able if their number is called in any fashion in 2014.

Added Depth at Slim TE position

Prior to this move, if Rob Gronkowski wasn’t ready for Week 1, which is hard to tell at this point, New England would be relying on the likes of tight ends Michael Hoomanawanui and D.J. Williams to start vs. Miami for the season opener. Tight end Tim Wright gives the Patriots options, depth, and doesn’t force Gronkowski to rush into Week 1. If Gronkowski is not 100 percent and at a risk for re-injury come Week 1, the last thing the Patriots need to do is put him in a compromising, injury prone position.

Freed up Cash

Mankins inked a six-year contract worth $51 million with New England in 2011, so by shipping him to Tampa Bay, they free up a fair amount of  cap space to either pursue free agents in 2015, or to offer extensions to certain players (cough cough Revis cough).

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