Patriots Franchise-Tagging Joe Thuney Could Mean They're Gearing up for DeAndre Hopkins Trade With Texans

Monday has quickly morphed into one of NFL's busiest franchise tag deadlines in recent memory with a number of organization's around the league opting to maintain control over standout players for at least one more season.

The New England Patriots surprisingly jumped on that bandwagon when it was reported that they would be placing the franchise tag on star left guard Joe Thuney.

However, the Patriots making such a move in the Bill Belichick era is unprecedented, and the shocking move could mean that that 67-year-old head coach is plotting a blockbuster move for Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

That's a big number and it's hard to believe the Pats are going to use all that cap space on a lineman considering Belichick churns out studs up front year after year. On top of that, Tom Brady made it clear he wants playmakers on offense. While Thuney is no doubt a star along the line, Brady needs targets. Could this really be the precursor to a Hopkins trade?

NFL insider Peter King claimed that anonymous teams believe Hopkins could become available via trade this offseason. The Patriots pursuing the All-Pro talent would make so much more sense than signing a top free agent wideout.

Hopkins has three years and $40 million left on his contract. For the 2020 season, his cap hit is slated at $14 million. As things presently stand, New England could fit the the Clemson product under its cap.

Where things become complicated, however, is if the Patriots are keen on partnering Hopkins with Brady. If that's the plan -- and we'd be shocked if it wasn't -- the franchise would have to make cuts or restructure deals to create more cap room.

The way we see it, the Pats have two options: overpay for a WR in free agency or offload some draft capital and an asset or two for a cheaper, bonafide superstar.