Set at LT, LG and C

[JoeSixPat]

Kick the can down the road.

Reduce urgency of drafting IOL (RG) to let the pick be used on more pressing need.

With an incentive laden contract too - he's a quality depth guy. He might take it since he would have a chance to reach incentives here, and no big cap deal if he's just a backup.

They all ultimately realize that OL is a squad in which you benefit from not having a weak link - everyone makes everyone look better. Some of the holdovers from last year often looked worse because their fellow linemen weren't doing their jobs.

 

[Ring 6]

I think that we have THREE starting centers for 2026: Bradbury, Brown and Wilson.

You are elevating Brown from the worst OL in the NFL last year to STARTER. and THE FUTURE based upon one unimpressive game vs Carolina?

How did Bryant go from major question mark rookie to solving backup LT and swing T by not playing and having Lowe be the backup LT?

 

[Real fan 02]

I apologize. I missed your point. Please clarify.

Are you saying that 17th best is pro-bowl quality play.
==========
your previous post as a reminder

"Owenu has returned to form. He's back playing to a pro bowl level. He's one of the best G in the game and people need to put some respect on his name. We have 5 competent OL that have all played soundly. Sometimes people need to be reminded of just how bad the OL was last season."
============
I agree that Onwenu is a better than average starting RG.

I agree with others that he has to be better than that to expect to be extended or to be paid $17M for 2026.

I agree that having 5 competent OL's is truly awesome, especially when we remember how bad the OL was last season.

As OL are graded totally different than skill positions. This season seen as how teams thought of to have stout OLs.. Ravens, chargers, Texans for example all playoff teams last season thier OL are playing sub parr.

So it probably wouldn't be out the realm of possibility provided ownenu continues to play well be a pro bowl nod. Again that's a ways away from now.

The contract on what a player makes never really bothers me because the NFL is a bloodsport for all players NFL =not for long.

Just my opinion.

 

[Ring 6]

These guys are doing great - especially Campbell. Injuries always make me want more quality depth at OL as the entire offense depends on them - but we have Campbell in a great rookie contract, and that frees up some significant cash to spend elsewhere over the next few years.

What's kindof funny is if you think about it maybe it was lucky that we didn't get the number one pick as we'd likely have traded back to pick up an extra pick and might have lost Campbell to the Jets who went with a disappointing Membou - and wound up with a disappointing Membou instead.

Josh Simmons has been great for KC as well - going in and playing at a high level against some of the best teams too - but I doubt the Pats would have picked him given his injury history.

So maybe Mayo and Milton wound up doing us a favor!

From my wish we would have done view I wanted to trade down get Simmons and then trade up with the picks we got to get Embuka, which we may not have been able to do.
I think in the end we will be happier with Campbell, Henderson and Williams.

 

[Real fan 02]

The money can be used to kick any can down the road. Sign a safety to play alongside Woodson to reduce the urgency of drafting a safety. Sign a LB to reduce the urgency .........

If the draft is loaded with IOL, sign a FA in a position the draft is weak in.

Gonzo is probably up first, when is Drake able to sign his extension? Then probably by the end of next season Campbell?

Marcus will surely be re-signed. Of course we can never have to many OL, I say we sign a back up OT that can play in a pinch should Campbell miss Time at any point.

Definitely agree on a safety.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

He cost 20 mil? How much would we save? And what's the replacement cost?

After all that accounting is the savings still the worth it and how much better of a player do we get (be shame to get if wrong and get someone worse)?

He's overpaid but it might just be one of those things worth restructuring or just playing out the walk year.

Otc says wed save 17.5m by releasing him next year. I think the best route would be to use a mid round pick on a replacement and let preseason play out for both. if the new guy can step in you get rid of onwenu and have an extra 17.5 to use elsewhere. If not you keep him and revisit rg in 2027.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

These guys are doing great - especially Campbell. Injuries always make me want more quality depth at OL as the entire offense depends on them - but we have Campbell in a great rookie contract, and that frees up some significant cash to spend elsewhere over the next few years.

What's kindof funny is if you think about it maybe it was lucky that we didn't get the number one pick as we'd likely have traded back to pick up an extra pick and might have lost Campbell to the Jets who went with a disappointing Membou - and wound up with a disappointing Membou instead.

Josh Simmons has been great for KC as well - going in and playing at a high level against some of the best teams too - but I doubt the Pats would have picked him given his injury history.

So maybe Mayo and Milton wound up doing us a favor!

Membou is playing RT, but at high level according to everyone but you.
Why do u think he's disappointing, you are literally the only person who's said this.

 

[Real fan 02]

Otc says wed save 17.5m by releasing him next year. I think the best route would be to use a mid round pick on a replacement and let preseason play out for both. if the new guy can step in you get rid of onwenu and have an extra 17.5 to use elsewhere. If not you keep him and revisit rg in 2027.

I think that's probably gonna happen anyway. Ownenu is a veteran.. typically about 5,6 years in OL start to take a beating. OL are the only positions that dont sub in or out during an an NFL game. Imagine all the snaps he's played as a starter. Competition will always be prevalent especially with Vrabel.

 

[signbabybrady]

Otc says wed save 17.5m by releasing him next year. I think the best route would be to use a mid round pick on a replacement and let preseason play out for both. if the new guy can step in you get rid of onwenu and have an extra 17.5 to use elsewhere. If not you keep him and revisit rg in 2027.

Wow I wasn't expecting the accounting to end with such a big number. Even still an equal starter on the market probably cost that much so it would probably come down to using a rookie to replace him which would probably be worth the gamble if both Moses and Bradbury are back.

Probably makes sense to try to keep 4 out of 5 the same for continuity sake. Obviously assuming play level maintains as the year goes on.

So do you save cash on Onwenwu seems like might be the best bet since that's a big chunk that could be used to fix another hole elsewhere.
Other options:
Do you try to replace the oldest guy?
Do you try to move Wilson to center?
Or just keep all 5 the same good players better than good savings?

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I think that's probably gonna happen anyway. Ownenu is a veteran.. typically about 5,6 years in OL start to take a beating. OL are the only positions that dont sub in or out during an an NFL game. Imagine all the snaps he's played as a starter. Competition will always be prevalent especially with Vrabel.

I think its a good situation regardless. If onwenu is here next year its more likely because hes playing at a high level. If worse comes to worse you can easily take the 17.5m savings and replace him.

Bradbury im cautiously optimistic on. Vikes fans have said he’ll have good stretches like this but will eventually be a liability, especially against bigger dt’s. On the other hand, he probably has better guards around him this year than hes had for years so the play may be sustainable. If it does id be more than fine with running it back next year, its a good cost for what hes doing.

Rt may or may not be a need

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Wow I wasn't expecting the accounting to end with such a big number. Even still an equal starter on the market probably cost that much so it would probably come down to using a rookie to replace him which would probably be worth the gamble if both Moses and Bradbury are back.

Probably makes sense to try to keep 4 out of 5 the same for continuity sake. Obviously assuming play level maintains as the year goes on.

So do you save cash on Onwenwu seems like might be the best bet since that's a big chunk that could be used to fix another hole elsewhere.
Other options:
Do you try to replace the oldest guy?
Do you try to move Wilson to center?
Or just keep all 5 the same good players better than good savings?

If bradbury and moses are good rest of this season im not in any rush to change alot. Much bigger needs imo elsewhere.

 

[Real fan 02]

I think its a good situation regardless. If onwenu is here next year its more likely because hes playing at a high level. If worse comes to worse you can easily take the 17.5m savings and replace him.

Bradbury im cautiously optimistic on. Vikes fans have said he’ll have good stretches like this but will eventually be a liability, especially against bigger dt’s. On the other hand, he probably has better guards around him this year than hes had for years so the play may be sustainable. If it does id be more than fine with running it back next year, its a good cost for what hes doing.

Rt may or may not be a need

Agreed also he isn't playing with a statue QB like he was last season in Sam Darnold. It can't be overstated how much Drake helps his OL.. same for Allen in Buffalo. Bradbury and the Gs will be challenged coming up facing the Browns with myles Garrett and that DL. I think they can man handle Buffalos defensive front. But to your points.. Ownenu playing well this season it a good thing because you can develop guys and then add depth/competition at the rg spot this FA and draft. I think Bryant is being developed as the rt once Moses contract is up.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Gonzo is probably up first, when is Drake able to sign his extension? Then probably by the end of next season Campbell?

Marcus will surely be re-signed. Of course we can never have to many OL, I say we sign a back up OT that can play in a pinch should Campbell miss Time at any point.

Definitely agree on a safety.

It is only Y3 for Gonzo, he is here for 5 years so he can be signed in the next 12 months - no hurry. This is Y2 for Maye on a 5 year deal - no hurry. This is Y1 for Campbell on a 5 year deal so Campbell is resigned in 2030. I think you are getting a bit ahead of the program.

Onwenu is not bad and young so if the contract can be renegotiated it is a good idea. Ideally add a weight clause and workout incentives to Onwenu's contract . Onwenu is a dependable guy, not too many injuries, which is a positive too. I don't know who else is in the OL free agent market at what price.

I would like to pick a dominant OL every year in the draft. There are a bunch of safeties in the draft. Cowden did a great job in 2025 so I will trust him until he screws up.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Agreed also he isn't playing with a statue QB like he was last season in Sam Darnold. It can't be overstated how much Drake helps his OL.. same for Allen in Buffalo. Bradbury and the Gs will be challenged coming up facing the Browns with myles Garrett and that DL. I think they can man handle Buffalos defensive front. But to your points.. Ownenu playing well this season it a good thing because you can develop guys and then add depth/competition at the rg spot this FA and draft. I think Bryant is being developed as the rt once Moses contract is up.

Exactly, thats why im not sweating ol as much. Drakes mobility and quick processing help out the ol alot. Basically just cant have demontrey jacobs over there. I was watching clips of last years game in buffalo and von miller or whoever was on that side came right around the edge on every single play i saw lmao.

 

[patman52]

Okay and with saying extending Onwenu as being most likely, what do you suggest as rough ballpark terms of the deal?

3 and 40, figure the cap will be 25% higher in 2030

 

[Real fan 02]

Exactly, thats why im not sweating ol as much. Drakes mobility and quick processing help out the ol alot. Basically just cant have demontrey jacobs over there. I was watching clips of last years game in buffalo and von miller or whoever was on that side came right around the edge on every single play i saw lmao.

Yes and same with vederian lowe.. our tackles were turnstiles. Speaking of Buffalo how are you feeling about this game what's your gut telling you?

 

[Hyped]

We have the money for Onwenu. And if he is still playing at a high level....just pay the man.

We now have two more seasons of Maye locked in on his rookie deal before we have to sit down at the negotiating table. IOW, we can afford Onwenu and then some.

 

[Brotherblues]

I'd like to see Onwenu stop his trend of going illegally upfield on passing plays. Not on play actions or screens, but simple, straight up passing plays. He's just losing track of where he is and drifting up. Seen it like 3 times, lucky for him the refs only called it once (though it was brutally costly).

It's weird because we have two rookies starting and yet it's our highest paid, longest tenured vet who does this.

 

[DaBruinz]

The Pats will be adding more O-line in the draft next year. Wouldn't be surprised to see a center, a guard, and an OT.

Why those 3?
OC - We don't know if the Pats are actually going to move Jared Wilson to OC.
OG - We need someone to develop behind Onwenu. I am not sold on Ben Brown being anything more than a JAG after just 1 game at OG. We have no idea what the Pats have in Caeden Wallace or Layden Robinson. While I think Wallace is still salvageable, I think Robinson is a lost cause.

OT - The Pats added Bryant, but we've not seen him play outside of pre-season. The Pats need another guy to bring along as a Swing guy. Especially if Moses decided to retire since he'll be 36 next season.

 

[Wozzy]

Assuming health they’re set for this season. I caught a of lot of flack this preseason for suggesting the line would be pretty good, but here we are.

Nothing in the NFL stays static, you’re always looking for the next guy and better depth. Next offseason is a new season.