The team and left guard Joe Thuney “haven’t been close” to an extension, ESPN reported Sunday, opening up the possibility the Patriots could trade him for a draft pick if the price is right.

Thuney was expected to become a free agent before the Patriots slapped the franchise tag on him, which came with a hefty $14.78 million price tag. If the Patriots are unable to work out a long-term deal with him by July 15, which would presumably lower his annual cap hit, they could have some salary cap issues. The Patriots currently only have about $1 million in cap space, the report said.

Thus, if a team were to offer “a second- or high third-rounder” for the All-Pro, ESPN reported, Bill Belichick might be compelled to make a deal. The Patriots currently hold 12 picks in the draft, but do not own a second-rounder.

Thuney’s current salary is the third-highest among all guards in the league. Only Pro Bowl guards Brandon Scherff (Redskins) and Zack Martin (Cowboys) are making more, with $15 million cap hits in 2020.

The 27-year-old Thuney, measuring in at 6-foot-5 and 308 pounds, has started all 64 games in his Patriots career.