Patriots Absolutely Need to Extend OL Stalwart Joe Thuney

The success of an NFL offense hinges on the ability of the five men at the line of scrimmage. The New England Patriots know all about this, as evidenced during their dynasty years. With an upright Tom Brady, the Lombardi Trophies come pouring in.

However, with that success in development, it leaves the Patriots victims of the free agency market. Guard Joe Thuney is entering his contract year and the Pats would be mistaken not to try and lock him in before the end of the upcoming season.

The Patriots have had their fair share of exits in the O-line room. Nate Solder left for the New York Giants last year, while Trent Brown joined the Oakland Raiders on a massive deal. Adding Thuney to that list would be a huge error on their part.

Thuney has been in New England for the past three seasons after being selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He won the starting left guard job ever since joining the Patriots, and he's rarely missed time on the field.

No, seriously. He's participated in 99.7% of offensive snaps in the past three years and started in all 48 regular season games (and nine playoff contests) over that span.

If that's not telling enough of Thuney's importance on the team, he completely stifled Los Angeles Rams stud defensive tackle Aaron Donald during Super Bowl LIII. Donald was limited to just two offensive pressures, two run stops, and zero sacks during the championship contest.

It's extremely difficult for any offensive lineman to be as durable as Thuney was through his first three NFL seasons. Even after having ankle surgery last offseason, Thuney missed no regular season time because of it.

Thuney is a rare breed, and the Patriots need to just give the man the money he's earned.