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Pro Bowl Center Nick Mangold Among Many Jets Seeking Contract Extension

Nick Mangold worked the pivot of one of the NFL’s best offensive lines on his way to a second Pro Bowl appearance this season. Now, entering the final year of a five-year deal, Mangold is ready to be paid like one of the best.

According to the New York Post, the 26-year-old Ohio State grad is looking to sign an extension before the 2010 campaign.

"It's a sense of security for me," Mangold told the Post. "I don't want to blow out a knee or do anything else drastic and not be able to continue on the way I want to. It's a big thing of having security coming into this year. I'd love to get something done before the season."

Going against 350-pound behemoths on every snap is one of the job hazards of being an NFL center, but Mangold has earned the trust of Mark Sanchez now must trust the organization that drafted him.

"I've done everything that I could from when I was drafted to where we are now," Mangold said. "I've done it the right way and done everything I can. So I expect the Jets are going to do the same. Maybe I'm foolish, but I assume something is going to get done."

Mangold — much like the many other Jets youngsters seeking extensions — has reason to be wary after watching fan favorite Leon Washington shipped across the country to Seattle for a fifth-round pick. The Washington trade along with the release of Thomas Jones and Alan Faneca puts extra emphasis on locking up that financial security.

The anchor of the Jets’ line claims to be "not too concerned" about contract discussions, and the seven-year $56-million deal inked by Saints guard Jahri Evans should give Mangold some ammunition going into negotiations.

Mangold has been charged with protecting the face of the franchise. Now it’s up to the Jets to protect him for the future.