Every Tuesday on ESPNBoston.com, questions from Patriots followers are answered as part of a weekly mailbag. This week's mailbag has been posted and includes some of the following topics:

1. Rob Gronkowski's decision to publicly state that he would play in the season opener.

2. Following up on the Logan Mankins trade.

3. Claiming safety Don Jones from the Dolphins and if that reflects poorly on the Patriots based on Jones' past team-based suspension.

4. Closer look at the composition of the roster, which is heavy at defensive line and light at linebacker.

5. Linebacker Darius Fleming -- a story of perseverance.

6. What's happening at the long snapper spot?

7. Trading quarterback Ryan Mallett and if it's too generous to put a positive spin on it.