Mike Onwenu talks about his plans to play right tackle in 2024 and his re-signing with the Patriots.
For the first time since signing a free agent contract to rejoin the Patriots, Onwenu discussed the process and the team’s intention for him to play right tackle.
The Patriots top priority this offseason was to retain the veteran players the new regime identified as building blocks moving forward.
Although the team’s record was very underwhelming a year ago, the roster constructed by former head coach Bill Belichick and many front-office executives who remain with the club wasn’t a total teardown. Instead, certain areas were viewed as more of a remodeling project.
Like when you’re flipping a house as a fixer-upper, head coach Jerod Mayo and personnel chief Eliot Wolf haven’t torn the structure down to the studs. For a defense that ranked ninth in defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA) in 2023, that meant maintaining a strong core that included re-signing safety Kyle Dugger, pass-rusher Josh Uche, and edge-setter Anfernee Jennings. The Pats also extended ascending interior pass-rusher Christian Barmore.
After finishing the previous season with an average of 13.9 points, offensively, there was still more to be done. Under offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, New England has a completely new coaching staff. Maye, the quarterback, was taken with the third overall pick in the draft, and Maye was given several rookie playmakers who double-dip at wide receiver (Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker).
However, the Patriots did not start from scratch offensively either, as the organization’s top executives prioritised holding onto one unrestricted free player in particular. Director of scouting Eliot Wolf described star offensive lineman Mike Onwenu as a “cornerstone” talent for New England during the NFL Scouting Combine in February.
“It’s no secret we want to try to keep Mike,” Wolf stated. “He’s certainly someone we view as a cornerstone for us.”
The Patriots swiftly signed Onwenu to a rumoured three-year, $57 million contract at the beginning of free agency. For the first time since re-signing with the team that drafted him, Onwenu discussed his thoughts for the next season and the free agency process with media.
