It will be interesting to see how the New England Patriots operate during the 2024 NFL offseason. It is the first time in over two decades that Bill Belichick won’t be their head coach, which means the decision-making when it comes to the roster will also be changing.
During his tenure with the Patriots, Belichick was the quasi-general manager for the team as well. Who will make the roster decisions now that Jerod Mayo is taking over as head coach will be something worth keeping an eye on.
How will their philosophies differ from Belichick, who struggled to build a competent offense post-Tom Brady but continued fielding a very strong defense? Finding some upgrades at the skill positions, specifically wide receiver, would go a long way.
NFL News & Rumors: Mike Onwenu, 2024 NFL Free Agency, New England Patriots Updates
The quarterback position is what everyone is watching. New England is in a position to select a potential franchise player, picking No. 3 in the 2024 NFL Draft. They will be guaranteed one of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels unless they make a trade up with the Chicago Bears to land the No. 1 pick and have their selection of the quarterbacks.
Whatever the Patriots opt to do in the draft, they need to accomplish some things in free agency first. Any quarterback needs a good offensive line in front of him to succeed. We have seen what poor performance in the trenches can do to even the highest-level quarterbacks.
That in part is why offensive lineman Mike Onwenu was picked by Mike Reiss of ESPN as the Patriots’ most important player to re-sign in free agency this offseason. The versatile Onwenu would help fill several spots along the offensive line based on what the team needs.
“The 2020 sixth-rounder has developed into a capable starter at right guard and/or right tackle, putting him in line for a big payday. Team owner Robert Kraft said championship teams draft well, and Onwenu is a good example of the type of player the franchise has developed and thus should feel comfortable signing to a second contract. Failing to do so would create a hole to fill on the offensive line, which is already one of the team’s top areas of need,” wrote Reiss.
The Patriots have enough holes on their roster to fill; they don’t need to create another one by allowing Onwenu to depart in free agency. How his negotiations unfold will be interesting because how the team views him will determine how much he is paid.
NFL News & Rumors: Mike Onwenu, 2024 NFL Free Agency, New England Patriots Updates
Offensive tackles make a lot more money than interior offensive linemen in the NFL. Will the Patriots categorize Onwenu as a guard or a tackle? Can they find a middle ground with his representation knowing he is capable of playing both spots?
Some tact will have to be used because if another team views him as a tackle, he will get a solid offer in free agency. New England has to consider that when negotiating with him, presenting a unique case for both sides to work through.
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