With a roster of 24 players on expiring contracts, the New England Patriots are undoubtedly set to lose many to free agency after a 4-13 season that looks to be sparking a rebuild. However, even while the Patriots look set for a rebuild, it doesn't mean they want to lose their top talent.
According to a new ESPN report, despite the Patriots wanting to keep him, versatile starting offensive lineman Michael Onwenu could have played his last snaps in a Patriots uniform this season.
“Many teams view Onwenu as the top offensive lineman in free agency because of his physicality, quickness and ability to play guard or tackle," ESPN writes. “The Patriots essentially know Onwenu isn’t coming back, and he will have high bidders.”
While many blame poor roster building and a few lackluster draft classes for the downfall of the Patriots over the last five seasons, Onwenu is one of the few remaining examples of what once made New England a dynasty for nearly two decades.
The former Michigan star was a proverbial "diamond in the rough" that the Patriots found, as they selected him in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. After coming into the league with potentially few expectations, Onwenu has since developed into one of the top offensive guards in the league.
In his time in Foxboro, Onwenu has seen snaps at three of the five positions up front, playing at both guard spots and even kicking outside to right tackle this season for the Patriots as injuries decimated their offensive line.
However, even after four seasons where Onwenu more than proved his worth, according to Fowler, the potential bidding war for his services will cause the Patriots to wish him farewell.
For an offensive line that was one of the worst in the league last season, it won't help them improve. Not to mention the fact, Onwenu could be one of three starters upfront that could be leaving the Patriots this offseason, as left tackle Trent Brown is all but a free agent at this point with his contract expiring, while longtime center David Andrews could be mulling retirement.
This could only prove more problematic for the Patriots in an offseason where they not only need to find their franchise quarterback but could use some new playmakers and now replace one of their top linemen.
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