Two weeks ago, the Patriots almost signed OLG Logan Mankins. Now, on the day their season begins against the Bengals, a report surfaced that Mankins is much farther away from a new contract and taking the field with the Pats.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that Mankins, a two-time Pro Bowler, arrived at the Patriots' training facility expecting to sign a long-term deal two weeks before the Patriots signed QB Tom Brady to a contract extension. The Patriots asked Mankins to apologize to owner Robert Kraft for the comments he made in June about Kraft's integrity. Mankins apologized, and the wheels seemed to be turning.

But just before finalizing the deal, the Patriots asked Mankins to issue a public apology. The two-time Pro Bowler refused, and now he no longer wants to be a Patriot.

The way we see it

Are the Patriots asking too much out of one of their top offensive linemen? Especially considering OG Nick Kaczur is not in the lineup after undergoing back surgery, the Patriots could certainly use Mankins on the front line. They have already lost CB Leigh Bodden, FS Brandon McGowan and DE Ty Warren for the season with injuries. A trade might be the most likely next step, and it's unfortunate that a deal came so close to happening only to fall through based on a demand for an apology.

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