Mangold Latest Jet to Express Unhappiness About Contract Situation

Nick Mangold didn't feel the need to skip the New York Jets' mandatory minicamp to send a message. Unlike teammate Darrelle Revis, he didn't feel it was necessary to make a statement by feigning injury and sitting out a few plays in practice.

The All-Pro center suspects his employers already know how he feels about his contract situation, adding, "Nothing else really needs to be said or done."

In other words, he's ticked and they know it.

"It's deeply disappointing," Mangold said Tuesday after the morning practice. "I've tried to do the right thing, on and off the field. I feel it's the Jets' turn. Not having the security of an extension is bothersome."

Mangold is entering the final year of his contract, due to make $3.3 million. The Jets have yet to make a proposal for a new contract, claiming they're handcuffed by the CBA rules and the uncertain labor landscape. Mangold said last week there was a 50/50 chance he'd skip the minicamp, which would've made him subject to a fine.

Because of a personal matter not related to his contract situation, Mangold was unavailable to address the matter. But he was there Tuesday in front of his locker, calmly explaining his frustration and disappointment.

Mangold said he's still hopeful of landing a new deal by the regular season, although that's believed to be highly unlikely. The Jets have made Revis their No. 1 priority. Mangold said he'd never ask for a trade, but he indicated that not having an extension "would definitely affect our long-term relationship."

When asked to elaborate, he said, "If they let me go into the season without the security of a long-term deal, at some point I'm going to have to decide my wants and desires to be on the team."

Under the old system, Mangold would be an unrestricted free agent in 2011. In that case, the Jets would be acting with a greater sense of urgency to lock him up. But there's a chance he may only be a restricted free agent, making it easy for the Jets to retain his rights. If he does become unrestricted -- and this depends on the CBA -- the Jets can simply use the franchise tag on him.

"That," Mangold said, "would be a continuation of the disappointing I'm feeling now."

This won't become as big an issue as the Revis situation could be. Mangold is a guy that will still play, but will be unhappy about doing so without guarantees. Without Mangold the Jets have no offensive line. He is the glue that holds that unit together and he is one of the best centers in the NFL. He presence out there last year helped Mark Sanchez through the tough times last season. If they Jets don't re-up Mangold before the season or before next season, they are just about screwed.

I feel like I'm writing the same articles about these "Core Four" guys, and I pretty much am because the Jets have yet to deal with all of these guys. If the Jets intend to build a dynasty, they need to take care of their guys.