Super Bowl media involves a lot of odd people and some very strange questions, but sometimes there a small nuggets that actually add some value to the conversation. One of those moments came on Tuesday when New England Patriots offensive lineman Logan Mankins answered a question about his long public contract dispute with the team before signing a six-year deal in August. The Patriots placed the franchise tag on Mankins in 2010, and he fought the decision by attempting to hold out, but feels differently about the whole process with the benefit of hindsight.
Mankins now says the franchise tag is "not the end of the world" and that getting too upset just isn't worth it when you still "get a ton of money for one year." All of this talk is something Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte should consider as he and the Bears approach a similar situation this offseason. Forte has suggested that he may hold out if he receives the franchise tag designation, but missing out on practice and stressing the relationship with the team may not always be the best way to get a long-term extension. Things worked out in the end for Mankins, but his honest perspective on just taking the franchise money and playing well is something to keep in mind as Forte mulls his next move.
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