This Bucs-Patriots Trade for Joe Thuney Could Keep Tom Brady Protected

The New England Patriots might have slapped the franchise tag on elite offensive guard Joe Thuney, but they have inadvertently started trade rumors centered on him after it became known that the two sides are nowhere close on any sort of long-term deal.

Right on cue, Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in need of another lineman to keep the immobile TB12 off the turf. Thuney could be a major upgrade at the left or right guard.

Thuney will command at least a second-round pick due to his heavy cap number, but Tampa should be more than willing to pay that price if they can agree on a long-term contract.

Further, the Buccaneers clearly don't value OJ Howard, as he recorded just one touchdown last year. Including him along with a second-rounder in a potential Thuney deal would allow New England to free up cap space while adding a new starting tight end. Brady and Tampa Bay, meanwhile, would solidify their offensive line in a big way by adding Thuney while freeing up more enough space to take on his $14.78 million cap hit.

Ali Marpet and Ryan Jensen give Tampa one of the best interior offensive lines in all of football without Thuney. Adding the former All-Pro would help keep Brady upright and slinging darts around the field in Tampa.