The agent for Patriots guard Logan Mankins, Frank Bauer, is making it clear that he and Mankins are not happy with New England's use of the franchise tag on his client. Mankins has yet to sign the franchise tender, and Bauer indicated the guard is still weighing his options. Added Bauer: "Everything with New England is built on leverage and using the system. Everything is leverage." Bauer had some strong words for the Patriots, who offered Mankins a $3.26 million unrestricted free-agent tender prior to last season when the two sides couldn't agree on a long-term deal.

Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez underwent surgery on his right hip after the 2010 season, according to a report by The Hartford Courant. Hernandez, a 2010 fourth-round draft choice, had missed the final two regular-season games with the hip injury. He finished with 45 receptions for 563 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season.

In an expected move, the Patriots have placed their franchise tag on guard Logan Mankins. "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," the team said in a statement. "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 is the first player to be designated a team's franchise player this offseason. The franchise tag essentially binds Mankins to the Patriots for one year.

Patriots left tackle Matt Light doesn't appear quite ready to make a decision on his future. He doesn't plan to discuss a future contract with the Patriots until after a new collective bargaining agreement is finalized, according to a source with knowledge of Light's thinking. "This has been a great organization, a great place to play," Light said after the playoff loss to the Jets. "I hope like hell I'll be here and continue to do what I've done. But we'll have to wait and see how it works itself out."

The Patriots re-organized their coaching staff on Friday, announcing new position responsibilities for four members of the staff. New England quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien will now also be the offensive coordinator. The other three changes were on defense: Mike Patricia is the new safeties coach, Patrick Graham is the linebackers coach, and Brian Flores is now a defensive assistant.

The Patriots plan to place their franchise tag on guard Logan Mankins, according to a report in the Boston Herald. The move will prolong the negotiating period between Mankins and New England. The two sides have been engaged in a rocky contract dispute since before last season. Mankins said earlier this month that he he didn't expect the Patriots to get involved in any bidding wars. "I would never say the door is totally shut," he said. "But the way it's looking right now, I don't see it happening. I don't see them trying to keep me, unless it's with the franchise tag."

After 11 seasons with the Patriots, the Cowboys are going after strength and conditioning coach Mike Woicik, according to sources. Woicik is scheduled to fly to Dallas on Wednesday to talk with the Cowboys. He is the only player or coach with six Super Bowl rings, having won three with Dallas (1992, 1994, 1995) and three with the Patriots (2001, 2003, 2004). Woicik's contract with the Patriots was set to expire after the 2010 season.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has become the first unanimous choice for The Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player Award since the AP began using a nationwide panel of media members who cover the league. In 2007, when Brady won his first MVP, he got 49 votes; one voter went for Brett Favre. "It is always flattering to be chosen for such a prestigious award," Brady said. "But I also look at it as a team award, as nothing in football gets accomplished without the mental toughness and determination of every player and coach associated with that team. "I am very humbled to be a part of an organization where winning comes first, and our goals are based around the success of the team."

New England offensive linemen Dan Koppen, Dan Connolly and Mark LeVoir received the Most Valuable Protector award on behalf of the entire line on Thursday. The linemen were asked what they received from Tom Brady as a gift. ?We?ll let everybody keep guessing, but he?s very generous and very fashion forward.? Koppen said.

The Patriots selected safety Patrick Chung instead of Clay Matthews in the 2009 NFL Draft. Green Bay picked Matthews 26th overall. But Matthews expected the Patriots to pick him since they were in need of outside pass-rush help. ?I did,? he said. ?I thought I could potentially end up right around at the 20th or 26th pick right there, especially right around Miami, which runs a 3-4, and New England, as well. I know they were looking for some young linebackers. And especially with my history with (Bill) Belichick (having coached) my father (in Cleveland).?