6 rings & football things: Pats Falling Behind in Free Agency & The Dynasty Finale
What exactly offensive lineman Mike Onwenu's job was for the Patriots over the last four years, and how much he would ultimately warrant on the open market, was always seemingly a mystery both inside and outside the walls of Gillette Stadium over the last four seasons. On the surface, he's just a dang good football player.
Since being drafted in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Onwenu has played meaningful snaps at right tackle as well as both guard spots. Last Monday, he signed a three-year, $57 million deal to remain with the team -- and they now reportedly have a concrete plan on where they want to play him.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Patriots will keep Onwenu at right tackle moving forward.
"The plan," he tweeted on Monday, "is for the extremely versatile player to finally settle in on the right side."
After exclusively playing right guard in 2022 (1,001 snaps), Onwenu was slated to continue there in 2023. Injuries, however, crept in fast along the New England front and he wound up playing 77% of his snaps at right tackle this past season. He played well, will continue there, and is getting paid for it.
The Patriots made two other signings along their offensive line this free agency, inking OT Chukwuma Okorafor and OG Nick Leverett to deals last week.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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