Morning sports update: Patriots have reportedly ‘reopened’ negotiations with free agent Joe Thuney
"The lines of communication have reopened, and the Patriots have expressed that they’d like to keep Thuney."
The Celtics defeated the Rockets on Sunday, 134-107. Boston faces a tougher test on Tuesday against the Jazz at 7:30 p.m.
The Bruins match up against the Penguins today at 7 p.m.
And on Sunday, the 2021 NCAA men’s basketball tournament bracket was released. The University of Hartford will make a first appearance in school history:
THE BRACKET!#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/6tRUVIXS4X
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 14, 2021
Joe Thuney and the Patriots: With NFL free agency getting underway on March 17 (teams can negotiate for two days prior), the Patriots have a few choices to make.
Among those is the future of guard Joe Thuney, who New England drafted in the third round in 2016. Thuney has started every game of his career, and has been both effective and reliable. In 2019, he selected as a second-team All-Pro, and has helped the Patriots win two Super Bowls.
Now a free agent, the future of the 27-year-old as a Patriot is uncertain.
Yet as Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer noted in his weekly column, New England might try to bring back the offensive lineman after initially thinking that he would depart.
“It seemed the Patriots were resigned to Thuney’s 2021 departure after tagging him last March—they had very minimal discussions on a long-term deal with him thereafter, and no progress had been made right up to when the Patriots agreed to deal for Trent Brown last week,” wrote Breer. “But since then, the lines of communication have reopened, and the Patriots have expressed that they’d like to keep Thuney. Whether the sides can meet on a price remains to be seen.”
Trivia: Who was the first overall pick of the 2016 NFL draft?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: He was traded earlier in the offseason.
More from Boston.com:
- Bracket: Vote to choose the greatest team in Boston sports history
- 5 takeaways as Jaylen Brown helps Celtics pull away for easy win over Rockets
- ESPN free agency simulation has the Patriots landing 3 top free agents
- Celtics’ Robert Williams wants as many minutes as he can get: ‘I just have to lock in more’
- Here’s why Celtics rookie Aaron Nesmith has been out of the rotation, per Brad Stevens
- Here’s what Tom Brady said about Drew Brees’ retirement from the NFL
- Kim and Khloe Kardashian wish Celtics’ Tristan Thompson happy 30th birthday
- Patriots reportedly trade Marcus Cannon to Texans in exchange for pick swaps
- Teams reportedly ‘aware’ that Stephon Gilmore is on the trade market
- Gordon Hayward opens up a bit more about decision to leave the Celtics for the Hornets
Drew Brees’s retirement announcement
:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMaeCtwhtes/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Pelicans center Jaxon Hayes threw down an incredible dunk on Sunday:
A little something light to start your Monday off right 🥱 pic.twitter.com/1V3IjvPHF1
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 15, 2021
On this day: In 1992, Larry Bird turned back the clock for one final legendary performance. In a thrilling 152-148 double-overtime win over the Trail Blazers, a 35-year-old Bird posted 49 points, 14 rebounds, 12 assists, and four steals.
Daily highlight: Tottenham lost to Arsenal 2-1 on Sunday, but it was Erik Lamela of Spurs who scored the most memorable goal.
Trivia answer: Jared Goff
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