Logan Mankins thinking about retirement

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have to go into the 2016 NFL season without Logan Mankins, as the veteran guard is considering retirement.

"I don't know. I am at the point in my career where I'm going to take a little time and evaluate what I want to do with my family, with myself and my career and see where it goes," Mankins told the Tampa Bay Times.

Mankins had a solid year, starting 15 games despite dealing with knee injuries and playing some pretty good football. He's no longer the All Pro of a couple of seasons ago, but he still looked like a reliable starter who could stay in the NFL for a couple of season. At 33 and after 11 seasons in the NFL, retirement would be understandable.

If Mankins retires, he'll save the Bucs $7 million in salary and cap space -- and cost himself just as much money. He'd also leave a hole at left guard, though second-year player Kevin Pamphile looked good at that position when asked to jump in. The Bucs also have center/guard Evan Smith as a swing backup who could start at that position.

Mankins came to Tampa after spending nine years with the New England Patriots, earning six Pro Bowl berths and being named first- or second-team All-Pro five times. Ironically, he came to New England just a year after their third Super Bowl and was traded to the Bucs the year they won their fourth Super Bowl, so despite all his time on winning teams he does not have a Super Bowl ring.