One of the more shocking moves of the Patriots' offseason — you know, besides that QB in Florida — was the team's decision to place the franchise tag on guard Joe Thuney for $14.781 million.
We've made no secret of our fondness for Thuney's play in recent years. He has steadily built himself into an All-Pro-type player, especially off a 2019 season in which he was virtually flawless:
Joe Thuney (99.2%): Not that he slacked off any other season, but he picked the right time to have a sterling year with just 8 pressures (1.1 percent) and four bad runs (0.9 percent) allowed. Should have been a Pro Bowler but was a deserved second-team All-Pro. Simply a phenomenally consistent performer who will get paid handsomely this offseason. A terrific player.
Grade: A-plus.