New England Patriots offensive lineman Mike Onwenu is arguably the best blocker set to hit the open market, and the Chargers should keep their eyes on him. After spending his collegiate career with Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines, the offensive lineman entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick. Despite his humble beginnings, he quickly became an invaluable part of New England’s offensive line, starring at both guard and tackle during his four years with the post-Brady Patriots.
Following yet another strong season, the offensive lineman is set to hit free agency, and reports across the league indicate that the Patriots are not expected to re-sign him. With that in mind, ESPN’s Matt Bowen believes that the Chargers would be the best fit for Mike Onwenu.
Besides left tackle Rashawn Slater, the Chargers are devoid of offensive line talent. Coach Jim Harbaugh would love to add a 6-foot-3, 330-pound people-mover in the run game. And Onwenu proved with the Patriots this season that he also has the ability to hold an anchor in pass protection at either guard or right tackle, which would help Justin Herbert.
Chargers Linked To Offensive Lineman Mike Onwenu In Free Agency
It’s easy to see why the Chargers would like to have someone like Mike Onwenu on the roster. While Slater is one of the best tackles in the league, the rest of the offensive line needs some work. Trey Pipkins was his usual unremarkable self, finishing the season with the 50th-best PFF grade out of 81 offensive tackles. You could do worse, but you could also do a whole lot better. Second-year offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer, meanwhile, regressed after a promising rookie season.
If the Chargers sign Mike Onwenu, he will replace one of those two in the starting lineup. While the Michigan connection makes him a good fit with Harbaugh, he’s also the type of player Los Angeles needs. Harbaugh and offensive lineman Greg Roman won’t stop talking about the importance of the run game, and Onwenu’s unique combination of size and strength makes him a monster in the trenches.
At the end of the day though, the NFL is a passing league, and Mike Onwenu will help keep Chargers franchise quarterback Justin Herbert healthy wherever he lines up. Onwenu is a good offensive tackle, but a great guard. Tackle is more important than guard, so the Chargers will have to ask themselves if they want a good player at a premium position or a great one at a luxury position.
Making the Money Work
Spotrac projects Mike Onwenu to receive a four-year, $54.76 million contract in free agency, and the Chargers will have a tough time handing out that kind of money. As of this posting, the team is $33.7 million over the projected salary cap, which means they’ll need to find a way to clear out some money if they want to get their hands on Onwenu.
The Chargers can save $20 million by cutting Mike Williams, and it’s a foregone conclusion that the former first-round pick will be playing somewhere else next year. Additionally, extending Keenan Allen or Joey Bosa will free up some money, as will trading Khalil Mack.
There are long-term ramifications associated with each of the aforementioned moves, so they might all not come to fruition this offseason. However, if the Chargers want to clear space for Mike Onwenu, they have ways to do it.
Main Photo: Eric Canha – USA Today Sports
