Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive lineman Logan Mankins was added to the Pro Bowl this week as a replacement, which will mark the seventh time that the guard has taken part in the postseason all-star event. The Pro Bowl could be Mankins' last game, as the talented offensive lineman is contemplating retirement.
"Not yet, I'm trying to take my time and make the right decision. Things like that usually, you don't want to rush into," said Mankins, via JoeBucsFan.com. "Right. I want to give them the earliest notice that I can to not put them in a tough situation. So, eventually they'll be the first to know, other than my wife and kids."
Mankins has spent the past two seasons with the Buccaneers after being traded from the New England Patriots prior to the 2014 season. The 6-foot-4, 308-pound offensive lineman has been one of the best in the league for the past decade and reached two Super Bowls with New England, but he fell short both times against the New York Giants.
The Buccaneers have hired new head coach Dirk Koetter this offseason, but it may not be a drastic offensive change in 2016, as Koetter was the offensive coordinator for the Buccaneers and Mankins last season. Mankins has been a big addition to Tampa Bay's offensive line in the past two seasons, and with quarterback Jameis Winston going into his second season, the Buccaneers front office will want to give him the best protection available. Mankins is set to make $7 million this upcoming season, but the Bucs are likely hoping that he returns as it will be difficult to find a replacement of his caliber this offseason.
