The New England Patriots recently faced an unexpected issue of having to fill a hole at the right tackle after veteran Marcus Cannon opted out of the 2020 NFL season. However, they might have an emergency solution in-house.
Pats’ All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney told reporters on Wednesday that he would be willing to step in for Cannon and switch to right tackle if it’s necessary.
“Whatever to help the team,” said Thuney. “I think I got a couple of right tackle snaps in the Pittsburgh game last year … just whatever to help the team out. It doesn’t matter where, just trying to do whatever I can try and use the tools I have to help the team. Whatever’s necessary. I just want to be out there and play.”
Pats will definitely appreciate Thuney’s offer, but it’s unlikely they’ll take it as the 27-year-old guard is too valuable for them on LG. Instead, the team will most likely turn to 2019’s third-round pick Yodny Cajuste or veteran Kory Cunningham.
Joe Thuney has been ever-present for New England since entering the league in 2016. He made 64 regular-season starts in which he played 4,274 offensive snaps. This is the most in the league in that period.
Earlier this year, Thuney signed his $14.78 million franchise tag with Pats to remain with the organization for 2020. He’s set to hit the free-agent market in 2021.
