Patriots Secure Mike Onwenu with Lucrative Contract
The New England Patriots made a significant move in March by signing Mike Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million contract. This deal solidifies Onwenu's position with the team, ensuring that one of their versatile offensive linemen remains a key component of their roster.
Originally selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Onwenu has demonstrated remarkable adaptability throughout his NFL career. He entered the league as a right tackle and quickly established himself in that role during his rookie season. By his second year, Onwenu was splitting duties between both right and left tackle, showcasing his versatility.
In the 2022 season, the Patriots shifted Onwenu to right guard for the majority of the year. This move was part of an ongoing strategy to field the most effective offensive line combination possible. Despite spending much of the season at guard, Onwenu ended the year back in his familiar right tackle position, demonstrating his value and flexibility once more.
Onwenu's role continued to evolve during the offseason training activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamps. He started off resuming his duties at right tackle during OTAs but later moved to right guard in minicamp, holding this position during the first training camp practice. Calvin Anderson, another lineman, took over the right tackle spot during a notable practice session, indicating the fluid nature of the Patriots' offensive line configuration. Chukwuma Okorafor anchored the left tackle position, while Sidy Sow was at left guard and David Andrews at center. Even quarterback Jacoby Brissett was seen taking reps during these sessions.
Strategic Versatility
Onwenu's ability to adapt to various positions on the offensive line is a strategic advantage for the Patriots. He described the situation, saying, "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." This emphasis on flexibility highlights the team's focus on fielding the most effective lineup possible.
Head Coach Jerod Mayo also weighed in on the strategic use of Onwenu and other linemen. "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 said.
Onwenu's reaction to his role changes reflects his adaptable nature. "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 mentioned. This adaptability is a critical component of his value to the team.
Continuous Evaluation
The ongoing evaluation of where players fit best continues as the team progresses through training camp. Onwenu emphasized the importance of these practices in determining the optimal line configuration. "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," Onwenu explained. This continuous assessment ensures that the Patriots' offensive line will be at its best when the season commences.
As the Patriots advance through their preseason preparations, the flexibility and depth of their offensive line remain a focal point. Mike Onwenu's new contract and his demonstrated ability to adapt to multiple positions underscore the team's commitment to maintaining a robust and dynamic offensive line, crucial for their ambitions in the upcoming season.