We all know that contracts have been the key word with the Jets over the past few weeks, however today there was a refreshing story about our pro bowl centre and how he's putting the team first:
Mangold, who is scheduled to earn $3.3 million in the final year of his five-year rookie contract, is one of a few core young players looking for an extension. However, Mangold is resigned to the reality that he won't get a new deal until after the season. Contract talks have been tabled due to the uncertain labor landscape.
"I'm not happy about it, but I accepted that fact," Mangold told the Daily News.
Despite the stalled contract talks, Mangold told The News that he decided "a couple days after minicamp" in mid-May that he wasn't going to hold out of training camp. His decision, in part, was motivated by a desire to help second-year pro Matt Slauson and rookie Vlad Ducasse in their competition for the vacant starting left guard spot.
"When those two guys are battling, they need all the help they can get," Mangold said.
"As a team, we're only as good as our weakest link. There's no reason we should have a weak link at offensive line."
You have to admire a man that takes so much pride in his units performance. Unlike Revis who would of made $20 million odd if he had decided to come back and "help" Wilson, Mangold is playing out his final year of his contract. Is there any doubt that he will get paid? not in my mind. Mangold is just putting the team first, he knows this is an important year, and he knows that there have been some changes on the offensive line, and that unit needs it's leaders this summer. Of course the secondary has also had change, and I'm sure Revis's attendance would of helped the transition, especially for Kyle Wilson.
This isn't about him though, this is about Mangold. He's in a more precarious situation than anyone, final year of his deal and getting underpaid for his position with no long term security after this year as part of the deal he'll play 2010 on. This is just a player who gets "it" and puts the team first, if you want to go around shouting about "paying da man"....how about inserting Mangold's name in.
Mangold will get his money, his well deserved money. I'm sure the team appreciate his attitude through this and he will be rewarded. The labour agreement makes everything easier to work out. If you didn't already appreciate Mangold (and I don't see how you couldn't), this will go a long way to make sure you do now.