It appears the Joe Thuney era in New England has come to an end.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Patriots are not expected to place the franchise tag on Thuney like they did a year ago. This means he will test free agency and is positioned to get a massive contract as arguably the best guard available.
Tagging Thuney would have cost the Patriots over $17 million, so it really didn't make much sense and it doesn't come as a surprise. New England also likely will not attempt to match a massive deal that he should get next week.
It also did not seem likely following the team trading for Trent Brown earlier on Tuesday.
As of now, it seems like Michael Onwenu will slide inside to his more natural position and replace Thuney, who had a great career in New England. He was one of the more dependable offensive linemen in the game and has been called for just three penalties over the last two years.