Patriots Retain Crucial Free Agent on $57 Million Contract

Michael Onwenu, New England Patriots, Agree to Contract

Even though the 2023 Patriots had a season to forget, Michael Onwenu had a solid season during the final year of his rookie contract. Starting and appearing in 15 games, the offensive lineman played multiple positions due to the turmoil along the offensive line. In total, Onwenu spent 194 snaps and right guard and another 656 at right tackle while blocking for Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe.

Michael Onwenu originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Selected to minimal fanfare, the Michigan product immediately became an impact player for New England. Starting games at left guard, right guard, and right tackle, the once-overlooked prospect immediately established himself as one of New England’s best late-round finds of the post-Tom Brady Era. Unfortunately, despite his strong play, the 2020 Patriots missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2008 season.

Onwenu returned to the starting lineup in 2021 and proved that his debut season was no fluke. Once again shuffling between left guard and right tackle, the versatile lineman helped provide some much-needed protection for a rookie Mac Jones. With Onwenu’s help, the Patriots went 10-7, making it to the playoffs for the first time in the post-Brady Era. However, despite the promising regular season, New England lost in blowout fashion during their Wild Card matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

The Patriots as a whole took a step back in 2022, but Michael Onwenu remained his reliable self Starting in all 17 games, Onwenu spent the entire season at right guard. This marked the first time the 6′-3″, 350-pound lineman did not play multiple positions during his rookie contract.