The New England Patriots made it a priority to re-sign Mike Onwenu this offseason. And they did just that (even though they took some time and gave everyone a little scare).
So now that he is set to suit up for the Patriots once again, New England has a plan for exactly where they want Onwenu to line up.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport provided some context on the signing, reporting that Onwenu is going to start at right tackle "moving forward."
"The plan is for the extremely versatile player to finally settle in on the right side," Rapoport wrote.
On Monday, March 11, the Patriots re-signed Onwenu on a three year $57 million deal, which includes $38 million guaranteed.
And he even got a $22.5 million signing bonus.
Onwenu played at right tackle during his rookie season, but was moved to guard afterwards. Yet, with all the injuries to the offensive line last season, the Patriots moved him back to his original position. And he thrived.
The team is also in need of a left tackle, with Trent Brown set to be signing with a new team next season. So having Onwenu back is huge for the organization. And he will be very important for whichever quarterback is in the pocket next season.
The Patriots have also brought in former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor, but he has mainly played at right tackle throughout his career. So Okorafor will be key for depth at the position.
And they have picked up Tyrone Wheatley Jr.'s ERFA option. But a starting left tackle is what they truly need next.
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