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Patriots trade Mankins to Buccaneers: Tom Brady reportedly 'very upset' with move

Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

The New England Patriots' decision to trade veteran offensive lineman Logan Mankins to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for tight end Tim Wright and a fourth-round pick came as a surprise to many, including Mankins' own teammates.

According to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was "very upset" after learning of the trade, as were several other players. 

"Brady had a very emotional reaction to what happened yesterday," Cole said in an interview with colleague Stephen Nelson. "He was not happy with this move. There's usually a very special bond that you have between an offensive lineman and quarterback; quarterbacks depend on those guys so much, and that relationship gets very rough at times ...

"Brady, initially, he was very upset about this trade. We'll see how he reacts going forward, he usually finds his calm after a day or two. Other players on the team were also a little bit concerned about what is the direction necessarily. I think there is some understanding the team needed a tight end, but why would you necessarily give up a player of (Mankins') caliber for a short-term fix at tight end."

Cole also reports Mankins was asked twice by the Patriots to take a pay cut and refused both times. The first request was reportedly made shortly after last season's Pro Bowl, while the second was made prior to Tuesday's trade. 

Mankins has a base salary of $6.25 million this season along with a $10.5 million cap hit.

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