Patriots: 3 Joe Thuney trades Bill Belichick should pursue
By Jerry Trotta
Here are three Joe Thuney trades that would make sense for the Patriots.
The departure of Tom Brady and signing of Cam Newton have largely overshadowed the New England Patriots’ surprising decision to apply the franchise tag on offensive lineman Joe Thuney, who was previously set to become one of the most coveted players in free agency this offseason.
Given their lack of cap space, the assumption was that the Pats would be forced to let Thuney test the open market. Now, both sides have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal and the latest buzz suggests that an agreement is nowhere close to materializing.
With there being almost no chance that the 27-year-old stud signs an extension, it really wouldn’t make sense for him to play for New England in 2020 just to leave in free agency at season’s end. Therefore, it might be time for the franchise to swallow its pride and unload their former third-round pick.
Quick-hit thoughts/notes around the Patriots and NFL (notable checkpoint closes in; what might team do with additional salary-cap space?; Cam Newton contract nuggets; Joe Thuney/franchise tag deadline days away; milestone in sight for Julian Edelman etc.). https://t.co/r4r8VEDV9G
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 12, 2020
With all of this in mind, let’s dive into a few potential trade scenarios regarding Thuney that de facto general manager Bill Belichick should explore.
3. Thuney to the Browns
Joe Thuney to the Cleveland Browns in a David Njoku trade, perhaps?
If there’s one thing we know about the Cleveland Browns, it’s that they have more cap space than they know what to do with. As things stand, the franchise ranks first in the NFL with $38.625 million at its disposal, so signing Thuney to a long-term deal wouldn’t be an issue. We see nothing wrong with the Browns looking to further bolster their offensive line, which was arguably the worst in the league in 2019. Thus far this offseason, they’ve signed Jack Conklin and drafted Alabama stud Jedrick Wills with the No. 10 overall pick in the Draft.
Why not complete the group by trading for Thuney? Keep in mind that the additions of Conklin and Wills shored up the tackle positions. There are still looming questions regarding the two guard spots, and the Patriots star would be a profound improvement.
Furthermore, Cleveland has the assets necessary to make a deal work. Somebody like tight end David Njoku, who has formally requested a trade, would surely entice New England, a team currently relying on rookies to start at the position in 2020. A package of Njoku and a third- or fourth-round pick in next year’s draft would work.