Patriots not expected to sign Joe Thuney before free agency

Joe Thuney has been one of the NFL’s best guards since coming into the league in 2016. However, it appears the New England Patriots will let him test free agency.

Joe Thuney is one of the NFL’s best guards. He’s about to have plenty of teams after his services.

According to a source, Thuney is expected to hit unrestricted free agency come March 18 when the new league year takes effect. While the Patriots would surely like to retain his services, the team is in a tight cap situation.

New England is projected to have $41.6 million in cap space, but has a litany of players to considering keeping. Quarterback Tom Brady is chief among them, and he could cost $30 million per year or more. Additionally, safety Devin McCourty, special teams ace Matthew Slater, and linebackers Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy are all slated to hit the open market.

Do the math if Brady returns, and most of the other aforementioned stars could be looking for new homes in 2020.

As for Thuney, he’s been incredibly valuable in New England during his four-year stay.

Entering the league as a third-round choice out of North Carolina State, the 27-year-old has played across the line while never missing a game. In 2019, Thuney earned Second-Team All-Pro honors. He remains the only player in NFL history to start in three Super Bowls the first three years of his career.

If Thuney leaves in free agency, the Patriots are left with questions along their line. Isaiah Wynn is a young stalwart at left tackle with Shaq Mason and Marcus Cannon holding down the right side. Center David Andrews missed all of 2019 with blood clots but remains under contract, while his replacement, Ted Karras, is an unrestricted free agent.

Last season, the Patriots started 8-0 before stumbling to a 12-4 finish. They lost in the AFC Wild Card round to the Tennessee Titans, 20-13.