New England Patriots: Options open up after franchise tagging Joe Thuney
By Max Bozicas
The New England Patriots have placed the franchise tag on guard Joe Thuney. This unexpected move opens up a few possibilities for the team going forward.
The New England Patriots were expected to simply let Joe Thuney become a free agent, but the team has turned heads with their decision to place the franchise tag on the 27-year old guard.
The Patriots have a few options now that they have made this move and fans should be encouraged regardless of what direction the team decides to go in.
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The Patriots could be using the tag as a means to work out a long term deal with Thuney. While this would eat up a fair amount of cap space given Thuney’s high level of play, it could be worth it given the importance of a good offensive line.
Thuney is coming off the best year of his career, as he earned a second team All-Pro nod in 2019.
Keeping Thuney in any capacity would be an indication that the Patriots are fully prepared to move on from Tom Brady. Even if the team cannot agree with Thuney on terms for an extension, having him play under the tag makes it hard to bring out the brinks truck for Brady as well.
Last year the franchise tag for guards was worth over $14 million, and it increases each year. It would take some serious cap magic orchestrated by Bill Belichick in order to keep Thuney and pay Brady at the same time. In all likelihood, one of them is going to be wearing a different uniform next season.
Perhaps the most exciting thing the Patriots can do now is trade Thuney. Thuney was expected to have a great deal of interest on the open market, which gives the Patriots leverage against any teams that would inquire about dealing for him.
There is quite a bit of value to be had in Thuney whether he stays in New England or is traded for other assets.
Something interesting to speculate about for the time being is the idea that the Patriots may trade Thuney for a star wide receiver or tight end in order to further entice Tom Brady to return. One of Brady’s reported requests was that the team brings in more capable pass catchers, and trading Thuney might just be the ticket they need in order to make that happen.
dark. Next. Multiple teams still in the hunt for Brady
In any case, tagging Thuney was a smart move. The Patriots are either keeping a solid piece as part of their future or they can get more out of trading him than they would have if they had just let him go to free agency. It will be very interesting to monitor this situation going forward.