Patriots: 3 Joe Thuney trades Bill Belichick should pursue

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.

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.

2. Thuney to Tampa

Another tight end option for the Patriots lies in Tampa.

Does anybody actually believe Bruce Arians when he says that tight end OJ Howard holds a future with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Not only did they trade for Rob Gronkowski, but red zone monster Cameron Brate is still very much in the mix to contend for targets.

This could leave Howard with even less of a role than what he had in 2019 when he logged 34 receptions on just 53 targets for 459 yards and one touchdown. The former No. 19 overall pick is simply too talented to be underused to that extent. That’s why we see the Patriots as a perfect trade destination for Howard.

Devin Asiasi is a promising prospect, but we seriously doubt that the rookie out of UCLA is ready to handle the responsibilities of being a starting TE in the NFL (and a safety valve for Cam Newton). The Bucs clearly don’t value Howard, so they might as well look to trade him while improving a weakness in the process.

Including the Alabama product along with a second- or third-round draft pick would allow New England to free up cap space while adding a needed weapon in the passing game. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, would improve its offensive line in a big way as it strives to capture a Super Bowl with Brady under center.

1. Thuney to the Eagles

Do the Patriots forgive the Eagles enough to gift them Joe Thuney?

The logic behind Thuney being dealt to Philadelphia is pretty self explanatory.

For starters, the team’s number one priority should be keeping Carson Wentz upright, and the Wolfpack product would go a long way in ensuring that happens. Stud guard Brandon Brooks suffered a torn left Achilles tendon last month and will miss the entire 2020 season. The injury has surely left fans in the City of Brotherly Love feeling uneasy about the Eagles’ ability to protect Wentz.

Trading for Thuney, who earned an elite 77.4 grade from Pro Football Focus last year, would immediately quell those concerns.

A package that features Dallas Goedert, whose value won’t get any higher following his breakout campaign in 2019, plus a 2021 third-rounder should be enough to see an agreement made. The 25-year-old tight end posted 58 receptions for 607 yards and five touchdowns while playing second fiddle to Zach Ertz. Just imagine the numbers he could produce if he was the No. 1 option.

Goedert carries a combined $3.32 million cap hit over the next two seasons, so the Patriots would save a ton of money by acquiring him in return for Thuney. Simply put, New England would be insane not to entertain this deal.