Don’t be shocked if Joe Thuney is on the move at this week’s NFL Draft.

According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Thuney and the Patriots “haven’t been close to an extension,” — and the two sides need to reach one.

New England placed the franchise tag on Thuney in March, so he’s on the books for $14.78 million next season, a lavish price to pay for a guard. With the tag, he’ll be paid an average of the three highest-paid offensive linemen’s salaries in the league, not just guards. He’s on the books for left tackle money.

The Patriots have expressed interest in extending Thuney since hitting him with the tag.

“Joe has been a model teammate and an essential element to our success since joining our team in 2016,” the Patriots said after franchising him. “Utilizing the franchise designation allows both sides more time to try to reach the goal of a long-term agreement.”

They also need to reach one to free up some money.

As it stands, the Patriots don’t have enough salary cap space to sign their rookie class. They’ve got a little over $1 million freed up at the moment, so something has to give.

Thuney has been exceptionally durable — he hasn’t missed a start — since the Patriots picked him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

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