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 the funds will go toward re-signing offensive lineman Michael Onwenu.
The michigan product, who was originally selected as a sixth-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft, immediately outplayed his draft stock and started all 16 games at right tackle. Onwenu has played at an above-average level at both guard and tackle throughout his professional career.
however, recent reports indicate that the patriots aren’t going to be able to re-sign him too quickly. According to espn’s Jeremy Fowler, the patriots are most likely to let onwenu walk away because the team fully expects him to receive a big offer in free agency. “many clubs regard onwneu as the best offensive lineman in free agency due to his physicality, quickness, and ability to play guard or tackle,” fowler writes. “the patriots know onwenu isn’t returning, and he will have high bidders.” “it’s difficult to understand why the patriots don’t want to pay michael onwenu.
Although the organization has a reputation for not overpaying for mediocre talent, onwenu is the type of player who justifies a major payday. Good offensive linemen are difficult to come across, and the players who help keep the quarterback safe are some of the most important players in the game. Since bill Belichick is no longer a member of the team, new england has money to burn, a crucial need at the position, and (presumably) a rookie quarterback they’ll need to back them.
New england didn’t shake up their front office too much, which means that the same people who created one of football’s worst rosters are now responsible for determining michael onwenu’s future. Only time will tell if the patriots allow michael Onwneu to walk and if it ends up being a wise move.
However, if this analysis is correct, almost every team in the league will be attempting to sign him, but these five teams should go the extra mile for his services.
The tennessee titans are a franchise that has been around for a century. after firing mike vrabel and likely splitting ways with derrick henry, the tennessee titans are officially embracing a revival. Will levis showed some flashes as a rookie, but if his offensive line doesn’t improve dramatically, he’ll never reach his potential. The titans had the worst arsenal of blockers in the game, and michael onwenu would go a long way toward repairing this dismal unit.
Though he’d most likely play tackle with the titans, he’d be an upgrade at practically every position.new york jets aaron rodgers isn’t invincible, as the new york jets learned the hard way. Nobody expected Rodgers to play only four snaps, but if rodgers wants to have a full 17-game season in 2024, this subpar offensive line needs to get a lot better.
The jets need someone who can hold on to a block, and Michael Onwenu is one of the best in the league at staying with his man due to rodgers’ penchant for extending plays. The jets could finally end their playoff drought if rodgers can keep rodgers healthy. kansas city chiefs the kansas city chiefs have the best interior offensive line in football.
The tackles, on the other hand, need some work. Jawaan taylor and donovan smith both fell short of expectations, and the team needs a makeover. Taylor’s deal guarantees that he won’t be going anywhere, but michael onwenu could easily replace smith. Onwenu spent the bulk of his time on the right side of the line, but he has also played left tackle in the past. In addition, his ability to seamlessly transition between guard and tackle indicates that he could learn guard quickly.carolina panthers the carolina panthers must invest every last dollar they have to protect Bryce young.
The quarterback had a rough rookie season, but you’d have a difficult time finding anyone who can succeed in this environment. Young spent the bulk of his rookie season being hit, and michael onwenu would be a big help at both the tackle and guard positions. Ikem ekwonu and Taylor moton would ideally bounce back in 2024, and onwenu would be the guard. However, if one or both fail, the former sixth-round pick will return to the field at a moment’s notice.
Saints of new orleans the new orleans saints are $82.8 million over the salary cap, but they are the best in the league at clearing up cap space. They’ll find a way to get michael onwenu’s if they want him. Derek carr’s biggest weakness is how easily pressure can affect him, which means this squad needs two solid tackles.
Unfortunately, Ryan Ramczyk is recovering from a long-term knee injury, and trevor penning, a 2022 first-round pick, spent the majority of the season on the bench. Onwenu would be a big upgrade and could help this team advance to the playoffs, something that must happen if dennis allen is to keep his job.
