The Dolphins "likely will have interest" in free agent Logan Mankins this offseason, according to the Miami Herald.

The Dolphins desperately need an upgrade on the interior. GM Jeff Ireland put in a call to the Patriots just before the trade deadline regarding a deal for Mankins, so the interest has been there for awhile. Mankins is once again a prime candidate for the franchise tag in New England.

ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss doesn't expect the Patriots to attempt to sign LG Logan Mankins to a long-term contract extension before a new collective bargaining agreement is agreed to.

Mankins, meanwhile, has already said he does not expect to sign an extension with the Pats, but does believe they may use their franchise tag on him. An elite left guard, it's hard to see the Pats just letting him walk away this offseason.

Free agent OG Logan Mankins said Friday that he does not expect to sign a long-term extension with the Patriots.

He does, however, believe the Pats might franchise tag him. New England doesn't have a history of paying guards big money under Bill Belichick, and the franchise tag is expected to be available to all teams this offseason. Mankins could get much more long-term security if he hit the open market. He graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 4 guard in his final nine starts.

Free agent OG Logan Mankins spoke sarcastically and even took a light shot at owner Bob Kraft when asked if he'd re-sign with the Patriots.

"Everyone knows I apologized to Mr. Kraft. He told everyone," said Mankins, referring to the developments after his holdout. "There are 32 teams in play (for his services). But ... I haven't given it much thought right now. If there was a CBA, I'm sure I'd be thinking about (free agency) a lot more."

BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead are averaging 5.1 YPC since LG Logan Mankins returned four games ago.

Mankins is a fierce run blocker, and he's also helped to keep Tom Brady clean, as well, as the Patriots have given up just two sacks over the last three contests. "I think their running game has become more of a factor,'' said an NFC pro personnel director. "Mankins brought back a lot of kick-butt attitude to that line.''

Updating a previous item, Patriots LG Logan Mankins is expected to start Week 9 against the Browns.

The Pro Bowl lineman, who held out during OTAs earlier this year, signed a one-year tender on Tuesday which will give him eligibility to test the market as a coveted unrestricted free agent in 2011. His intrepid blocking abilities will be needed against a surprisingly stingy Cleveland run defense allowing 3.9 yards per carry and just one rushing touchdown thus far in 2010. LG Dan Connolly should return to a reserve role on the Pats' O-line.

The Patriots are expected to activate LG Logan Mankins for Sunday's Week 9 game against Cleveland.

They won't waste any time getting their stud left guard back into the fold. CB Terrence Wheatley has already been released to open up a roster spot for Mankins. The early season holdout will be activated at some point before tomorrow's game. His return upgrades the entire offensive until.

Per beat writer Mike Reiss, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has yet to rule out Logan Mankins for Sunday's game against Cleveland.

The team has a two-game roster exemption that runs out before Week 11. Dan Connolly held down the fort at left guard with Mankins gone.

Patriots LG Logan Mankins indicated Wednesday that he's not particularly pleased with reporting to the team.

The decision wasn't Mankins' -- it was recommended by the NFLPA so he could accrue another year toward unrestricted free agency. Mankins said he's "happy to be back," but that he didn't get out of the holdout situation "what I wanted from it." The Pats haven't announced whether Mankins will be immediately reinstalled into the starting lineup, and probably won't until Sunday.

The Patriots will receive a two-game exemption on LG Logan Mankins' roster spot once he signs his tender.

Mankins reported to the Pats on Tuesday, but the signing has yet to officially hit the wire. The two-game exemption is standard procedure for a late arriving player. Mankins will likely need the two weeks to get back into football shape.

Patriots LG Logan Mankins officially reported to the team Tuesday.

He'll sign his tender Tuesday and will be eligible to play in Week 9, though it's not clear if the Patriots plan on him doing so. Mankins is signing sooner than expected, as he didn't need to report until November 16 in order to accrue another year toward unrestricted free agency.

Patriots LG Logan Mankins will sign his tender Tuesday and report to the team.

Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland put in a call to the Patriots just before the trade deadline regarding a possible deal for LG Logan Mankins.

The Patriots' reported asking price (a first-round or high second-round pick) combined with the fact that the trade would be within the NFC East made any deal an extreme longshot. The disgruntled Mankins is expected to rejoin the Patriots by November 16 in order to accrue another season toward unrestricted free agency.

The Patriots are reportedly seeking a first-round pick or high second-round pick in exchange for unsigned restricted free agent LG Logan Mankins.

NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora hears that the Pats are "unlikely" to deal Mankins before Tuesday's 4:00 p.m. deadline. Mankins is expected to sign his tender and rejoin the Patriots by November 16 to ensure that he accrues another season toward unrestricted free agency.

The Bears are unlikely to pursue a trade for disgruntled Patriots LG Logan Mankins.

The Bears desperately need help on the offensive line, but they deem the Patriots' asking price, which reportedly is a first-round pick, too much. Mankins would also need a new contract and is seeking more than $8 million per season. It remains likely that Mankins will eventually report to and play for the Pats this season.

Unsigned restricted free agent Logan Mankins will reportedly rejoin the Patriots by November 16.

Mankins and Vincent Jackson are caving on account of a recommendation from the NFLPA. The players must report in time for the final six games in order to guarantee they accrue another season toward unrestricted free agency. Both were restricted free agents per the uncapped year's CBA rules. Mankins is expected to play in the final seven games of the season.

Patriots LG Logan Mankins' agent failed to shed any light on his client's holdout in his first public comments since August.

Said agent Frank Bauer, "Who knows? He may (sign). He may not. You may see him tomorrow. It is what it is. Whatever happens, happens. Whatever falls, I'm always ready." Speculation has arisen that the team would use the $4 million freed up by the Randy Moss trade to sign Mankins.

The agent for Patriots unsigned restricted free agent LG Logan Mankins called reports of a potential swap for Vincent Jackson "ludicrous" and "totally insane."

How's that for a denial? "I don't pay attention to rumors, so I didn't hear it. But who knows? The Patriots do strange things," said the agent while laughing heartily. "There is so much crap out there. Until it all (shakes out), you don't know. But to answer your question, that's totally ludicrous."

Chris Mortensen reported on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown that Patriots unsigned restricted free agent LG Logan Mankins will show up for the final six weeks of this season.

We don't know if players will need to report for at least six games for an accredited season in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement, but Mankins apparently isn't taking any chances. The Patriots offensive line played almost flawlessly in Week 1. The team is operating from a point of leverage right now.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft has denied a report that the team had a deal in place with LG Logan Mankins that was nixed because Mankins refused to publicly apologize to him.

"That is a bold-faced fib," Kraft said of the Adam Schefter report. "We have never had a deal with Logan." Kraft said that the Patriots offered a contract similar to the one Nick Mangold received from the Jets, but there was never an agreement. It seems likely at this point that Mankins will either be traded or sit out the entire season.