Mike Onwenu shares the Patriots’ plan for him in 2024
Throughout the offseason, the New England Patriots have made a point of re-signing their own internal free agents, as de fact general manager Eliot Wolf and new head coach Jerod Mayo work to build a core for the team moving forward. One of the biggest contracts handed out to an internal free agent was to offensive lineman Mike Onwenu, who got a three-year, $57 million contract just hours into the NFL’s legal tampering period back in March.
When Onwenu initially re-signed, a big question was whether it was to play tackle or guard in the Patriots’ new offensive system. He’s split his time between right tackle and right guard almost evenly through his first four years in New England.
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Initial reporting said that the plan was for Onwenu to return as a right tackle. Speaking to the media on Thursday, the 26-year-old seemed to confirm that.
“Through the whole [free agency] process we spoke about me playing tackle,” Onwenu shared. “Even after I signed that was still the same thing. So, under my notion I’m still playing right tackle.” Onwenu added he would have been open to return playing as a tackle or a guard.
While he has split time between right tackle and right guard in the past, Onwenu says the new coaching staff will have a bigger impact on his offseason training than a new, solidified position.
“This year, just because we have a whole new staff it’ll be new technique anyways. But in the prior years no, it hasn’t really changed,” he explained. “But this year it will be new techniques and new tools playing tackle.”
Onwenu was also asked about possibly playing left tackle. Heading into offseason workouts that position appears to be the biggest question mark on the offensive line. Both players the team has suggested will compete for that spot – free agent signing Chuks Okorafor and third-round draft pick Caedan Wallace – are career right tackles.
“I wouldn’t say so,” Onwenu replied when asked if he could see himself playing left tackle in 2024.
“But definitely with the practice and training, I definitely think I could.”
“I think it’ll come when I practice at it,” he added, when asked if he’d like to try playing tackle on the left side. “I’m an athlete and a competitor, so I like to compete either way.”
For now though, it seems like Onwenu’s place will be on the right side of the offensive line. We’ll see how the rest of the unit rounds out around him when the team gets on the field for OTAs later this month.
