FOXBORO — While the New England Patriots' left tackle position remains cloaked in questions, the right side of their offensive line has reportedly been solidified.
Fresh from signing a three-year, $57 million contract (including $38 million guaranteed,) Pats starting right tackle Mike Onwenu will reportedly remain at the position for the upcoming season, and for the foreseeable future.
"Note on Mike Onwenu," wrote NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "He's expected to be the Patriots starting right tackle moving forward, sources say. The plan is for the extremely versatile player to finally settle in on the right side."
Onwenu is considered to be New England’s most-valued offensive lineman. At nearly 6-3, 350 pounds, he is a massive lineman with excellent length. At his best, the Pats guard has shown a consistent and impressive ability to overwhelm defenders in the run game, while anchoring well to protecting the passer. It is a rare occasion on which he is easily bypassed on a pass block.
The 26-year-old appeared in 15 games in 2023, aligning on 850 offensive snaps: 194 at guard, and 656 at tackle. Overall, Pro Football Focus graded the Michigan product at 71.5, while crediting him with allowing 23 quarterback disruptions, including three sacks. Whether the Patriots pursue their future franchise quarterback in this year’s draft, secure the services of a savvy veteran, or maintain status quo, Onwenu’s presence on the field will play a major role in said “QB1’s” success.
From a financial standpoint, Onwenu had long been rumored to be in line for a substantial payday, which was expected to see him earn between $17-18 million annually. New England had the option to place the franchise tag on him. In that scenario, he would have received a fully-guaranteed $20.9 million salary for 2024. The Pats ultimately declined to do so, instead placing the franchise tag on safety Kyle Dugger. In terms of average annual value, the contract he signed last week made him the second-highest paid left guard in football, and the fourth-highest paid right tackle.
For New England, second-year lineman Sidy Sow is expected to remain at right guard for 2024, and potentially beyond. In his rookie season, the 6-5, 318-pound Sow aligned on 772 offensive snaps, while being credited with allowing five sacks and committing two penalties. For his efforts, he was provided an overall positional grade of 64.4 from Pro Football Focus.
Both Onwenu and Sow are purported to join center David Andrews and left guard Cole Strange in the starting lineup this season. The occupant of left tackle position remains unclear, as 2023 starter Trent Brown entered free agency last week after his contract option was not renewed by New England.
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