Report: Mankins Will Report to Pats

According to Chris Mortensen, big-name holdouts Logan Mankings of the Patriots and Vincent Jackson of the Chargers will report to their respective teams this season. According to the report, Jackson will report to San Diego before October 31st while Mankins will report to New England prior to November 16th. If each player does so, they will ensure themselves unrestricted free agency in 2011. The deadline for Mankins to report is November 24th, which would then make him eligible to be paid for and participate in the Patriots' final seven games of the season.

This motivation and the treatment Bill Belichick will give him are certainly in question, but this has the potential to be a big addition for the Pats moving forward. In an offense that may increasingly turn to the running game to control the clock and wear defenses down, getting their pro-bowl guard would help the cause quite a bit. If he ultimately comes back happy and willing to play, there's no way that this offensive line wouldn't improve. And let me tell you -- the offensive line is the most underrated aspect of any offense. If they give Tom Brady time, if they clear holes for running backs -- the sky is the limit for what this team can do. Logan Mankins, even though you haven't acted in an admirable way this season, I'd welcome you back with open arms if it means success for this offensive unit.