The Logan Mankins vs. Patriots battle continued Monday with Pats owner Robert Kraft denying a report that Mankins walked away from a potential new contract two weeks ago.

In a radio appearance on Boston radio station WEEI, Kraft said, "There have been negotiations, but we've never had a deal." On Sunday, ESPN reported that Mankins almost signed a new extension but talks fell through after he refused to publicly apologize for the comments he made about the organization.

Kraft called the report a "bold-faced fib." He said that Mankins apologized to him over the phone and that he requested for the two-time Pro Bowler to apologize in public, but denied reports that a deal was in place.

The way we see it

Mankins started all 80 regular-season games for the Patriots from 2005-09 and was selected to two Pro Bowls, but he watched his streak end with Sunday's season-opening win over the Bengals. While the pass protection looked good, the Pats would love to have Mankins back, and with recent comments from WR Randy Moss about not feeling wanted, Kraft will want to do his best to minimize off-the-field distractions for his club.