Patriots Franchise Tag Guard Joe Thuney

(Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire)

The New England Patriots have placed their franchise tag on left guard Joe Thuney earlier today before the deadline.

The tag for an offensive guard is set to be around $14.7 million.

Thuney is the most talented linemen on the team, in my opinion. Locking him up with the tag allows the team to worry about more important free agents this offseason (Brady) and extend the time they have to work out a long term deal with Thuney. 

Thuney is an absolute stud and I can't wait to watch him for at least one more year with a fully healthy offensive line when David Andrews comes back. 

One of the best guards in the NFL, Thuney was set to generate an incredible amount of interest in free agency. Franchise tagging him was a must, great work by the Pats front office. 

This helps in the never ending extravaganza to bring Brady back too. Brady wants weapons, that's one of his demands before resigning. Weapons don't necessarily have to be receivers. Thuney is a weapon. At age 43, Brady wants to feel protected. If Thuney went elsewhere, I'm sure the chances of Brady coming back shrunk. 

Twitter and Instagram @NickRufo21