Update Emerges On Patriots, Joe Thuney Contract Extension

The New England Patriots placed the franchise tag on Joe Thuney in March. They released a statement suggesting that he will stay around for a while. It’s been a month now, and they haven’t made any major steps as noted by ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

Reiss reported that Thuney’s representatives and New England “haven’t been close to an extension.” According to him, the second-team All-Pro left guard may end up playing somewhere else. The Patriots may tradhim before or during the 2020 NFL draft.

“If a guard-needy team is willing to deal a second- or high third-rounder to help fill in the Patriots’ draft board,” Reiss wrote in his Sunday notes column, “that would have to be something Belichick seriously considers with the knowledge that the sides haven’t been close to an extension.”

Where will Joe Thuney go next?

New England would use Thuney really well. He has started every game since he joined the league in 2016. However, that move would give the team a financial burden unless both sides reach an agreement.

With the terms of his franchise tag, the player will make $14.78 million in 2020. That’s the Patriot’s second-highest salary cap hit behind cornerback Stephon Gilmore. This number doesn’t really fit the team’s books. New England has less than $1 million in cap space and several roster holes to fill. Head coach Bill Belichick needs to find a tight end, linebacker, third quarterback, and a few other key players.

Shipping Thuney somewhere else would give the Patriots another $14.78 million. Signing a second- or early third-round pick in return would seal the gap between their first and second picks. The Patriots own just one of the top 86 picks (No. 23 overall) after using their second-rounder to get wide receiver Mohamed Sanu last season. Getting Sanu was a must, and Belichick made a really good move with that one.

Belichick has to make a few bold moves in this draft. He is the master of all draft moves, and the Patriots will need that wisdom to enter the season with a talented roster. Let’s see what happens in the next couple of weeks.