FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots announced that they are utilizing the franchise designation on guard Logan Mankins. Last year, the Patriots used the franchise designation to retain the rights to Vince Wilfork. The designation was later removed when the two sides agreed to a long-term contract extension.

Tonight, the Patriots confirmed the use of the franchise designation and issued the following statement: "Logan Mankins is a tremendous player. He has been a fixture on our offensive line since we drafted him in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft and he remains an important part of our future plans. Unfortunately, we have not been able to reach a long-term agreement, despite many attempts and proposals by both sides. That remains our objective in utilizing the franchise designation and we are hopeful that Logan will be a Patriot for many years to come."

Mankins has started 89 regular season games and 10 postseason games at left guard since joining the Patriots as a first-round draft pick out of Fresno State in 2005. He has earned three Pro Bowl honors (2007, 2009 and 2010) and has been selected to the Associated Press All Pro team three times (2007, 2009 and 2010). Last season, he earned the honors despite missing the first seven weeks of the season. Mankins joins Hall of Famer John Hannah as the only Patriots' guards to earn Pro Bowl bids since the 1970 merger.

Since entering the starting lineup as a rookie in 2005, Mankins has been part of an offensive line that has helped the Patriots' offense finish in the top ten in total offense five times: 2005 (7), 2007 (1), 2008 (5), 2009 (3) and 2010 (8).