New England Patriots Secure Mike Onwenu with a Multi-Year Deal
In a significant move, the New England Patriots locked down versatile offensive lineman Mike Onwenu with a three-year, $57 million contract in March. This investment signals the team's commitment to building a formidable offensive line around one of their most promising talents.
Onwenu, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has made substantial progress since entering the league. Initially stepping in as a right tackle, he used his rookie season to solidify his presence in that role. The following year showcased Onwenu's adaptability as he split his duties between the right and left tackle positions.
In 2022, the Patriots made a strategic decision to transition Onwenu primarily to right guard, where he demonstrated remarkable flexibility and skill. By the end of the season, however, he had returned to his familiar right tackle spot, illustrating his capacity to adjust to the team’s needs seamlessly.
The offseason and pre-season activities only added to Onwenu’s dynamic positioning. During Organized Team Activities (OTAs), he resumed his role at right tackle but shifted to right guard for mandatory minicamp, a position he maintained through the initial practice of training camp. Notably, Calvin Anderson took the right tackle position during a particular practice session, while Chukwuma Okorafor was anchoring the left tackle spot. In the same session, Sidy Sow played at left guard, David Andrews held the center, and Jacoby Brissett was observed taking reps.
Onwenu’s ability to adapt is not lost on the team’s leadership. "It was essentially just practice in a few places. Days in and days out, we're going to be switching around, and it's going to be different lines, so just getting the best five out there and practicing, every guy practicing each position, and just knowing that you can play that position,” Onwenu explained. His readiness to embrace various roles underscores his importance to the Patriots’ offensive strategies.
Head Coach Jerod Mayo emphasized the importance of flexibility and putting the best possible lineup on the field. “I've had this conversation with AVP [Alex Van Pelt]. I've also talked to Mike and the rest of those offensive linemen. Look, we’re going to put the best five players out there on the field as an offensive line. If that means you’ve got to play guard or play tackle, I don't know. We'll see, it'll play itself out in camp. That's my mindset; it's about putting the best players on the field,” Mayo remarked. His forward-thinking approach clearly aims to maximize the Patriots’ performance through strategic player deployments.
Onwenu’s journey in the NFL is marked by his willingness to adapt and excel in various roles. “It was a little surprising. Pretty much as a football player, I've done it in the past. I started as a guard, started as a jumbo tackle, and then I played tackle. It's just one of the positions that I play,” he reflected, demonstrating a professional approach to the challenges and surprises of his career.
As training camp progresses, the importance of figuring out the best lineup is paramount. Onwenu acknowledges this, stating, “It is very important. It's early now so we had the OTAs, we had the spring, but we're getting into live football now. As the practices and the days go on, we'll see who fits where and how that fits with the best five.” His insights reveal a thoughtful understanding of the team's developmental process and the crucial need for adaptation as the season nears.
Onwenu's ability to shift between positions not only adds depth to the Patriots' offensive line but also provides a strategic advantage. This adaptability will likely play a vital role as the team finalizes its roster and prepares for the upcoming season. With a lucrative new contract in hand and a demonstrated track record of success, Mike Onwenu looks poised to continue making significant contributions to the New England Patriots in the seasons to come.