New England Patriots Rumors: 3 Joe Thuney trade scenarios to consider
Despite signing a franchise tag tender, the New England Patriots still may be looking to move guard Joe Thuney.
The biggest surprise besides Tom Brady spurning his legendary New England Patriots career for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was the team’s decision to apply the franchise tag on offensive lineman Joe Thuney who was set to become the top guard entering free agency.
The assumption before the tag was that the Patriots would let Thuney walk in free agency given their lack of cap space, but now the team and Thuney have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal after the highly touted guard signed the $14,781,000 franchise tender.
With the team’s current cap situation, it would be hard to believe the team would allow the offensive guard to play under that tag number unless a long-term deal is worked out, which if it is, gives the team an option of backloading a multi-year deal.
While the franchise and trade possibility is still at play, the Patriots seemingly see Joe Thuney as a part of the team’s future.
Here is what the team said in a statement following the franchise tag destination:
"“Joe has been a model teammate and an essential element to our success since joining our team in 2016. Utilizing the franchise designation allows both sides more time to try to reach the goal of a long-term agreement.”"
Otherwise rumor has it that the team may be looking to deal Thuney for both cap relief and more draft capital.
Of course, that would be classic Bill Belichick to turn a former third-round pick into possibly an extra first-round pick or at the least multiple higher round picks in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Which teams would bite on a potential Joe Thuney deal? Just 27 years old, Thuney has developed into a very dependable offensive lineman. Standing at 6-foot-5, 308 pounds, he has started all 64 games during his four-year career, including three Super Bowl starts.
The better question is which team in need of offensive line help wouldn’t be interested?
Here are three possible trade scenarios and destinations for the New England Patriots offensive guard.