It appears Joe Thuney will be playing the 2020 season under the franchise tag and count just under $15 million against the salary cap.
According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, the Patriots and Thuney are no closer to a contract extension than they were in March. And with the deadline to sign franchise tag players (July 15) approaching and no real signs of progress, it appears things will not change with his status.
Of course, the two sides could reach and agreement at the last minute on either a short-term or long-term extension, which would lower his salary cap hit for this season. Another possibility is a trade, but the time to do that seems to have passed. That felt more like a possibility around the draft.
Because Thuney received the franchise tag and just under $15 million for the 2020 season, he has all the power when it comes to contract discussions and may be why the Patriots are willing just to allow him to play the year out on his current deal.
It is worth noting the Patriots are up against the salary cap since they have less than $1 million to work with and will need to make a few moves to free up some money for the upcoming season.
Thuney, 27, is one of the more durable players in the league as he rarely misses a snap and is also considered one of the better guards in the NFL.
