Patriots Probably Won't Be Able to Keep Joe Thuney Based on 2021 Salary Cap Update

Teams around the NFL were dealt some bitter news when insider Adam Schefter revealed that the 2021 salary cap could take a severe hit if the league ends up losing billions due to the coronavirus crisis.

It goes without saying that some teams will be able to manage such a reality with a year to prepare. However, teams that are already up against the cap threshold will be faced with a myriad of roster dilemmas in order to remain compliant.

The New England Patriots fall right under that category. As of this writing, the defending AFC East champs have $2.019 million cap space, which ranks 30th in the NFL. If things don't change for the better, the Pats don't stand a chance at extending offensive lineman Joe Thuney.

The 2016 third-round pick has emerged as a force for New England. He's appeared in all 64 games while playing over 99% of the offensive snaps since entering the league. Thuney was due for an extension this offseason, and the Patriots, knowing they couldn't afford to do so, ultimately franchise-tagged him.

The 27-year-old will cost the organization $14.78 million for the 2020 season, which could end up being his last in Foxborough if the projected walkbacks to next year's salary cap come to fruition.

At this rate, you have to think that they will. While the season figures to start on time (cross your fingers), there's a scarce chance that games are played with fans in the stands. The NFL adores the revenue it produces, but we sincerely doubt that it would jeopardize the health of fans and players just to salvage some of the money that will be lost.

That could spell doom for the Patriots and their hopes to lock up their star left guard.