It looks like veteran guard Joe Thuney will stay in Foxborough for yet another season. The New England Patriots and Thuney have failed to advance negotiations which means he will play under the franchise tag and will stay with the team for at least one more season.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport disclosed the developments surrounding the player's contract situation on Twitter:
No deal is expected for the #Patriots and G Joe Thuney, so he’ll play on the tag. Didn’t sound like there was much traction on talks. So, 1-year deal, and the sides will try again next offseason. https://t.co/xwiGDe4gJ2
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 15, 2020
What was once an aging Patriots dynasty suddenly became significantly younger after all the offseason moves made. The retention of Thuney will bring back a much-needed veteran presence for the Patriots side.
The former NC State standout was drafted by the Patriots with the 78th overall selection in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. After three years in the league, he became a two-time Super Bowl champion.
He is the first player in NFL history to start in the Super Bowl in each of his first three seasons. Thuney played every offensive snap for the team and helped contain the Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald when the two sides clashed in Super Bowl LIII in 2019.
The Patriots placed the franchise tag on Thuney on March 16 and signed it four days later.
Thuney was able to stay healthy for the majority of his career thus far and have started all 16 games for the team last season. He hopes to continue to anchor the team's offensive line in 2020.
As the season opener draws near, Patriots nation is looking forward to seeing how their revamped team will fare in the upcoming season.
Follow Us
Subscribe