The future of star guard Joe Thuney with the New England Patriots is not looking so bright. Thuney's contract was not finalized for a multiyear deal with the New England camp and it looks like there never really was any momentum according to NFL Network's Michael Giardi on Twitter.
My understanding is there was never any momentum toward a new deal for Thuney. Remember too that Mike McCartney, his agent, also reps Kirk Cousins, who had no problem playing under tags. Different positions, obviously, but food for thought. https://t.co/owWdWxJE0c
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) July 16, 2020
The drawn-out talks started way back in March when the Patriots were buying time with the franchise tag to offer Thuney a more favorable deal.
With the franchise tag, Thuney will make $14.78 million for a one-year deal with the Patriots. However, he will enter free agency waters once the season ends and other teams will definitely look to snag up a player of Thuney's caliber.
It's not an ideal scenario for the backroom staff of the Patriots since they already lost franchise quarterback Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Jamie Collins Sr., Kyle Van Noy, and Danny Shelton in the offseason.
On top of that, there is more uncertainty for the Patriots this upcoming season if either Cam Newton or Jarrett Stidham will take the starting quarterback position.
It would definitely be a step in the right direction if they secure Thuney, who is one of the better players at his position in the NFL.
It hasn't been easy for the Patriots to deal with the scenario either since they have a lack of cap space to deal with. Thuney will still want to look for the best possible deal for himself if he is destined to test free agency later this year as a reigning Second Team All-Pro selection.