Patriots’ Joe Thuney says he’s fine with the franchise tag

Following a breakout season, Joe Thuney was set to cash in during the free agency period in March. The Patriots’ starting left guard made his first All-Pro team last year and it seemed like perfect timing. At the NFL Combine in February, rumors were swirling that Thuney would reset the market at guard and could earn upward of $14 million per season.

For that reason, many thought his days in New England were over.

Instead, the Patriots had other ideas and placed the [...]

Following a breakout season, Joe Thuney was set to cash in during the free agency period in March. The Patriots’ starting left guard made his first All-Pro team last year and it seemed like perfect timing. At the NFL Combine in February, rumors were swirling that Thuney would reset the market at guard and could earn upward of $14 million per season.

For that reason, many thought his days in New England were over.

Instead, the Patriots had other ideas and placed the franchise tag on the 27-year-old, who will now earn a guaranteed $14.78 million in 2020.

The franchise tag is a hot topic among NFL players. Some hate it as it delays a long-term deal that would mean tens of millions of guaranteed dollars — the type of money that will set up their families for life. Some live with it because it’s a lot of money for one year.

On Wednesday, Thuney said he doesn’t hold any ill will for the Patriots, is happy to be back in Foxboro and he never considered holding out.

"No, I love being here. I love the Patriots’ organization, my teammates and everyone, so I’m glad to be here and I’m pumped for the season," Thuney said. "There’s just a whole business aspect of it that kind of is what it is, but I’m really fortunate to be able to play here and excited to be back with my teammates."

Thuney acknowledged that he was a little surprised when the news of the franchise tag reached him. At the NFL Combine — during which teams tamper with players and agents — a source said that the Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears and New York Jets were all showing interest in Thuney. Considering he was the Pats’ only offensive All-Pro and has started every game since his rookie season, it would have been a huge blow to see Thuney leave and to stay in the AFC East.

Instead, Thuney will get paid top dollar for a year in New England. It doesn’t look like Thuney will sign an extension with the Patriots and he said Wednesday that that was not his current focus.

"I’m just focused on this training camp, trying to get better day in, day out and controlling things I can control," Thuney said. "And right now, that’s just trying to get better a little bit today and going into tomorrow."

The 2020 season could be another big one for Thuney. Last year, he was their best offensive linemen. One big question for this year is whether the Patriots will continue to play him at left guard.

After starting right tackle Marcus Cannon opted out, Thuney could be moved over to tackle. It’s a position he played in college at North Carolina State. He has practiced with the Patriots at tackle, and last year, played some right tackle in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Thuney said he would be fine with the switch if the coaches were to ask.

"Whatever can help the team," Thuney said. "I think I got a couple of right snaps at the Pittsburgh game, our opening game last year. Wherever I can help the team out. It doesn’t matter where. Just trying to do what I can, use the tools I have to help the team in whatever’s necessary."

Other options at right tackle include Korey Cunningham and Yodney Cajuste. If Thuney makes the switch, the Pats would have to find a new left guard. That could be someone like Hjalte Froholdt or Jermaine Eluemunor.

Thuney played only a handful of snaps at right tackle against Pittsburgh, but if he makes the switch and succeeds, it would increase his market value in free agency next year. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Thuney were to practice at tackle this summer in training camp.

"Coaches did a great job of trying to get reps and everything at practice," Thuney said. "We’ve got a lot of guys getting reps at different positions because you never know. You go into a game with seven O-linemen, usually. The more you can do, the better. Just try to keep the fundamentals the same. Just tried to do what I could."

mdaniels@providencejournal.com

On Twitter: @MarkDanielsPJ