New England Patriots: 4 reasons trading Joe Thuney is a bad idea
Fourth, who replaces Joe Thuney on the interior of the offensive line?
Unfortunately, however, there are really no proven interior linemen on the squad who seem to have talent enough not to be a monumental downgrade from a great player like Joe Thuney.
Candidates are Jermaine Eluemunor, who came over from Baltimore last season in a trade. As I’ve written previously, he couldn’t beat journeyman James Ferentz for a back-up position when Shaq Mason was injured last season.
Another is rookie, Michael Onwenu, drafted in the 6th round from Michigan. I’ve also written that I like Michael’s game, a lot.
Could he step right in? Maybe. I think he just might be able to. But as a rookie, would he give you, close to what Thuney could? Well, hard to say, but probably not.
Other than that, there’s really not much there. In sum, you’re likely not going to replace a second-team All-pro with anyone on the current roster. Maybe next season but not in 2020.
New England Patriots Rumors: 3 Joe Thuney trade scenarios to consider. dark. Next
So that’s a tally sheet on whether it makes sense for the New England Patriots to trade Joe Thuney at this stage of this offseason. My conclusion is, the Patriots should pass.
Joe Thuney is too good, too important to the offensive line, a real team strength, and too difficult to replace. In addition, the return would most likely be draft choices which will not help the team in 2020. On this possibility, I’d say No Thank You. I’ll pass.