Logan Mankins retires from NFL, giving up $7 million

Logan Mankins has retired from football, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. That report was swiftly confirmed by multiple reporters. The guard has played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the past two seasons, after a nine-year career with the New England Patriots. He was named to 7 Pro Bowl teams in his career, most recently for his efforts last season.

While Mankins played well last year, he's turning 34 on Thursday and was clearly nearing the end of his career. His play had been slipping for years, though he managed to have a solid season this past year. The Bucs would have brought him back at left guard had he not retired. Instead, they'll turn to third-year guard Kevin Pamphile who's likely to see some competition from a veteran free agent.

Mankins' retirement frees up some $7 million in cap space which, along with the likely release of Bruce Carter, gives the Bucs a total of $61 million in spending room in free agency. While most reports suggest the Buccaneers won't be huge spenders in free agency, it's not like there's anything else they can do with all that money.