Patriots have reportedly reopened talks with G Joe Thuney

Author Matt Dolloff

March 15th, 2021 9:07 AM

The New England Patriots and guard Joe Thuney have reopened contract talks ahead of the start of NFL free agency, according to Albert Breer in his newest column for The MMQB.

As one of the top offensive linemen to be available on the open market, Thuney is going to be expensive. But it remains to be seen if the Patriots are willing to pay him at the top of the guard market, or convince him to stay in New England for a little less than that.

Here’s the full report from Breer:

Likewise, Washington taking Brandon Scherff off the market should really help New England’s Joe Thuney. It seemed the Patriots were resigned to Thuney’s 2021 departure after tagging him last March—they had very minimal discussions on a long-term deal with him thereafter, and no progress had been made right up to when the Patriots agreed to deal for Trent Brown last week. But since then, the lines of communication have reopened, and the Patriots have expressed that they’d like to keep Thuney. Whether the sides can meet on a price remains to be seen.

Monday on the NFL Network, Tom Pelissero said he expects Thuney to be one of the highest-paid guards in football wherever he signs and mentions the Packers, Seahawks, Vikings, Texans, and Bengals to be among the teams “lining up for him.” So while Breer’s report indicates they’re willing to consider giving Thuney a similar contract to his other suitors, it sounds like the Patriots’ final offer will have to be very competitive to retain Thuney’s services.

MORE: NFL Free Agency Tracker

Whether the Patriots end up keeping Thuney or not, they would still have work to do to improve the offensive roster. Scroll down for a bunch of free-agent options at receiver and tight end in free agency.

• TE Hunter Henry

  Share

  Henry made recent comments that he wants to play for a great quarterback. Teams with their franchise QB locked in don't necessarily line up with Henry's price tag, though. Bill Belichick loves him some Hunter Henry and will likely make a legit push to sign him. But not only will he have to pay Henry at or around the top of the market, he may need to figure out the quarterback situation first.

• WR Corey Davis

  Share

  Davis would represent more of a Patriots-type signing. Belichick may look at Davis and see about the same player as Allen Robinson or Chris Godwin, but a guy he could get at a fraction of the price. It may help Davis that he has absolutely toasted the Patriots in the past.

• WR Kenny Golladay

  Share

  There's a chance that Golladay fetches an elite-level contract, which would likely price the Patriots out. But at the same time, Golladay has consistently had trouble staying on the field (he's averaged 11.8 games played per season). When he's on the field, he's one of the league's better big-play outside receiving threats. He'd be a good fit for what the Patriots like in an "X" receiver, but the question is the price.
• WR Curtis Samuel

  Share

  As far as a speedy, shifty and versatile wideout, Samuel is one of the more underrated commodities in football. He's coming off a 77-catch season for a rebuilding Panthers offense. The Patriots could offer him a competitive contract without breaking the bank, and Belichick would know what to do with a player like him.

• TE Jonnu Smith

  Share

  Smith made only 41 catches and drew only 65 targets, but he made the most of his touches with a career-high eight touchdowns. He'd be the kind of receiving threat the Patriots have sorely lacked at tight end for a couple of years now. His deal likely wouldn't be much of a hindrance to the Patriots' budget, and his presence could actually help the development of Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene.

• WR Marvin Jones

  Share

  Belichick has to love Jones' consistency. He's averaged 67 catches, 962 yards, and eight touchdowns per 16 games over the past six seasons. He's played at least 13 games five times since 2014. He's never mentioned among the league's best, most dependable receivers, but he gets the job done. Sounds like a Patriot.
• WR Keelan Cole

  Share

  Cole is an example of someone who, for whatever reason, has torn up the Patriots in joint practices and at times in real games. The Patriots like to bring those guys in sometimes. Cole would certainly give them an element of explosiveness that they relatively lack at receiver.

• WR Alex Erickson

  Share

  Erickson has been a guy to watch for the Patriots since Tom Brady still played here. He's the kind of quick, tough, versatile slot receiver Belichick tends to like. He'd have a great chance to make the team on an affordable contract.

• WR Breshad Perriman

  Share

  A former first-round pick who has bounced between four teams in his career, Perriman's stock couldn't be lower after his catches and yards dipped to 30-505 with only three touchdowns in 2020. He's the kind of receiver the Patriots would take a flyer on in free agency.
• TE Gerald Everett

  Share

  Everett's receiving numbers and blocking have both steadily improved over his first four years in the NFL. He still has untapped potential as a combo tight end and likely won't command an expensive contract. The Patriots could easily pay him well and can use a solid, established guy to group with Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.

Get The 98.5 The Sports Hub Newsletter Delivered To Your Inbox

Stay up to date with the latest Boston sports news and analysis, local events, exclusive contests, and more.

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.

Author Matt Dolloff

Category:

• Patriots
• News

Tags:

Matt Dolloff,New England Patriots,NFL