Report: Update Emerges On Patriots, Joe Thuney Contract Deal

There have been several stories about Joe Thuney and his future with the New England Patriots. It looks like Thuney will play under the franchise tag.

The offensive guard won’t see a multi-year contract with the team before Wednesday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline. The information was confirmed by several sources, including Mike Giardi from NFL Media. If they don’t reach a deal before the deadline, Thuney will play the upcoming season under a one-year deal. It’s a franchise tag deal worth about $15 million.

When Bill Belichick’s team placed the tag on Thuney, many thought that the deal will result in a trade of a long-term contract. The extension is not included in the negotiations at this point. Some analysts say that the Patriots will try to move Thuney to a team that needs a guard.

“At 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for any club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multiyear contract or extension,” reads the NFL’s official offseason calendar for July 15. “After this date, the player may sign only a one-year contract with his prior club for the 2020 season, and such contract cannot be extended until after the club’s last regular season game.”

Joe Thuney and his role with the Patriots

Everything points to the fact that Thuney’s situation will remain the same until 2021. The Patriots have some more important things to take care off.

The coronavirus pandemic changed the situation in the league. The financial impact will be more evident in 2021. The salary cap for each season will be calculated based on the NFL’s revenue. Fewer fans will be able to attend home games. Fans may not be allowed to attend games due to the situation. New England may be cautious when it comes to providing top-of-the-market deals.

The Patriots are also cautious about the cap space. Even if Thuney sustains an injury this season he is in line of getting a lot of money in 2021.

New England will have to think twice before offering a bigger deal to their talented player. Thuney is an excellent contributor and the Pats may want to keep him around.