Patriots using franchise tag on OL Joe Thuney

The New England Patriots are placing their franchise tag on left guard Joe Thuney, his agent, Mike McCartney, announced on Twitter.

In a somewhat surprising move, the Patriots are using the tag to keep the starting lineman off the open market.

Thuney has started every game in his four-year career since being drafted by the Patriots in 2016. He's given up just one sack over the past two campaigns.

The 27-year-old is projected to make $14.7 million under the tag in 2020, according to Spotrac.