The New England Patriots enter the first year of the post-Belichick Era with over $70 million in cap space, but the latest reports indicate that none of that money will go toward re-signing offensive lineman Michael Onwenu. Originally selected as a sixth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Michigan product immediately outplayed his draft stock and started all 16 games at right tackle. Representing one of the few offensive bright spots of the post-Brady Era, Onwenu has played at an above-average level at both guard and tackle throughout the course of his professional career.
However, despite boasting the ability to play multiple positions at a high level, recent reports indicate that the Patriots are not going to try too hard to re-sign Michael Onwenu. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Patriots are likely going to let Onwenu walk, as the team fully expects the offensive lineman to receive a massive offer in free agency.
“Many teams view Onwneu as the top offensive lineman in free agency because of his physicality, quickness, and ability to play guard or tackle,” reports Fowler. “The Patriots essentially know Onwenu isn’t coming back, and he will have high bidders.”
REPORT: Patriots Will Not Re-Sign Top Free Agent Michael Onwenu
It’s hard to understand why the Patriots don’t want to pay Michael Onwenu. While the organization has a reputation for not overpaying for mediocre talent, Onwenu is the type of player who justifies a massive payday. Good offensive linemen are hard to come across, and the players responsible for keeping the quarterback upright are some of the most important in the game. New England has money to burn, a glaring need at the position, and (presumably) a rookie quarterback they’ll need to support, so why won’t they bring back Onwenu?
Additionally, nobody can use the “In Bill We Trust” excuse, as Bill Belichick is no longer a part of the organization. New England didn’t shake up their front office too dramatically, which means that the same people responsible for building one of the worst rosters in football are now responsible for deciding the future of Michael Onwenu.
Only time will tell if the Patriots let Michael Onwneu walk, and if it ends up being a wise decision. However, if this report is correct, then just about every team in the league will be trying to sign him, but these five teams should go the extra mile for his services.
Best Free Agent Team Fits
Tennessee Titans
After firing Mike Vrabel and likely parting ways with Derrick Henry, the Tennessee Titans are officially embracing a rebuild. Will Levis showed some flashes as a rookie, but he’ll never reach his potential if his offensive line doesn’t improve dramatically. The Titans had perhaps the worst collection of blockers in the game, and Michael Onwenu would go a long way toward fixing this woebegone unit. While he’d probably play tackle with the Titans, he’d be an upgrade at literally every position.
New York Jets
The New York Jets learned the hard way that Aaron Rodgers is not invincible. Nobody expected Rodgers to only last four snaps, but this subpar offensive line needs to get a lot better if Rodgers wants to play a full 17-game season in 2024. Rodgers’ penchant for extending plays means that the Jets need somebody who can hang on to a block, and Michael Onwenu is one of the best in the league at staying with his man. If he can keep Rodgers upright, then the Jets could finally end their playoff drought.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have the best interior offensive line in football. The tackles, however, need some work. Jawaan Taylor and Donovan Smith both fell short of expectations, and the team needs an upgrade. Taylor’s contract ensures that he won’t be going anywhere, but Michael Onwenu could easily replace Smith. While he spent most of his time on the right side of the line, Onwenu has played left tackle in the past. Additionally, his ability to seamlessly switch between guard and tackle suggests that he could learn guard quickly.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers need to invest every last resource they have into trying to save Bryce Young. The quarterback had a rough rookie season, but you’d have a hard time finding anyone who could succeed in this environment. Young spent most of his rookie season getting hit, and Michael Onwenu would be an upgrade at both tackle and guard spots. Ideally, Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton will bounce back in 2024 and Onwenu can play guard. However, if one or both struggle, the former sixth-round pick can bounce outside at a moment’s notice.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are $82.8 million over the salary cap, but they’re the best in the league at clearing up cap space. If they want Michael Onwenu, they’ll find a way to get him. Derek Carr’s biggest weakness is how easily pressure affects him, which means that this team needs two reliable tackles. Unfortunately, Ryan Ramczyk is dealing with a potentially long-term knee injury, and 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning spent most of the season on the bench. Onwenu would be a major upgrade and could get this team to the playoffs – which is something that needs to happen if Dennis Allen wants to keep his job.
Main Photo: Eric Canha – USA Today Sports
