The Chiefs strengthen their offensive line by agreeing a five-year deal with former New England Patriots defender Joe Thuney following their release involving Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz
With Related Media
Last updated: 15/03/21 10:38 pm
Joe Thuney in action for the Patriots in 2020 (Photo AP / Peter Joneleit)
The cash-strapped Kansas City Chiefs made their first big move to rebuild their offensive line Monday as they agreed a five-year, $ 80m contract with Joe Thuney who was a New England Patriots guard.
Thuney’s agent Mike McCartney tweeted that the sides had agreed to the deal on the first day they could negotiate contracts with free agents. Wednesday is the earliest stage the agreement can be officialized, when a free agency officially begins.
The 28-year-old was among the most prominent offensive linemen on the open market. He was selected in the third round of New England in the 2016 draft, and has started all 80 games over his first five seasons in the league.
Kansas City had more than $ 20m over the wage cap a few weeks ago, but eliminated most of it when they dropped left-back Eric Fisher and right-backed Mitchell Schwartz. Fisher is undergoing surgery on a torn Achilles tendon and Schwartz from a back surgery, and there was no guarantee that either would be available for training camp.
However, he left the Chiefs with even more offensive line holes reduced by injuries and gaining the upper hand in the Super Bowl.
Chiefs expect to get Laurent Duvernay-Tardif’s offensive guard and third-round pick Lucas Niang back after opting out of last season, giving them a leap on the job. The draft is also heavy with offensive line expectations.
“I think people want to play with Pat Mahomes. I think that helps, too,” boss general manager Brett Veach said recently, when asked about a free agency. . “Players are generally competitive. They like the opportunity to play on platforms, in national TV games.
“When you have sustained success and played with a coach like Andy (Reid) and a player like Pat, they know they will have a chance to win and also play on the biggest stage with the brightest lights . “
6:06 A selection of Tampa Bay Buccaneers victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV
Earlier on Monday, the Chiefs reworked contracts at tight end Travis Kelce and defender Chris Jones to generate about $ 20m in extra space.
That combined with around $ 17m saved by Chiefs by converting some of Mahomes’ roster bonus to signing bonus will help them deal with a reduced salary cap to $ 182.5m as well as adding a number of holes. an roster.
The Chiefs, who lost the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a Super Bowl chase, could seek help at wide receiver, passing speed and in the defensive backfield.
They let Deon Yelder end up being a free agent rather than offering him an offer, which means they could be in the market for an old backup at that point as well.
“Players have to balance things,” Veach said. “And when you have a talented roster sometimes you may not have the flexibility of a rebuild team, but that’s a good pitch to throw at players: Come here and play for Andy Reid and with Patrick Mahomes.”