How Much Should We Pay For Starting Inside Offensive Linemen

[One-If-By-Sea]

dabruinzs argument pretty much says hes worth it

i would rather extend him at this point... spread some bonus money to drop the cap hit

The stats do not factor in that the Pats played the easiest schedule in 30 years. The are no run blocking stats either. And there are no mobility numbers either, like climbing to the 2nd level, efficiency getting out on screens, etc. Onwenu is not mobile.

Onwenu is a good player. He is a brick wall type of player, which makes his pass blocking numbers (pressures allowed) look good, but he is not dynamic in the run game. Being a brick wall (not mobile) also helps avoid injuries.

So if Onwenu plays historically weak competition and we only look at pass blocking stats, Onwenu was a top 10 guard in the NFL last year. I would agree with that.

Onwenu is essentially a FA because we can cut him without penalty other than absorbing a planned delayed cap hit. Having carried a lot of weight for years, Onwenu will most likely taper off in his early 30s. We should look at all other FA options to see if we can use Onwenu's cap space to improve the team.

Posters get concerned if a good player is not resigned, but posters should be excited if the Pats swap a player out for a better FA.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Their is quite a few people including Evan Lazar / Alex Barth who have far more knowledge then you that believe Wilson will be a better C 2026 then LG in 2025. It’s an ugly look…get informed.

The bold is not saying much. I don't know if it is possible to get worse than Wilson was in 2025. Sidy Sow in his rookie year was better than Wilson was in 2025, and look where Sidy is a few years later.

So Evan Lazar is confident that if Wilson is moved to center in 2026, Wilson will be better than "sucks hind tit" that he was in 2025. I agree with Lazar, but I am not sure "better than 2025" adds any significant value to the team. Also note that Wilson was awful while playing a historically weak schedule. Next year the schedule gets a lot harder.

Look at Woodson, he got better as the season progressed. Look at Wilson, he got worse as the season progressed. Lazar is a homer, which I like, but we need to be honest about how bad Wilson was in 2025. Planning to start Wilson at any OL position in 2026 is a MASSIVE risk.

 

[BTTA]

MSN

"The Ravens have been unable to reach a contract extension with center Tyler Linderbaum, a former first-round pick who is poised to cash in big when free agency opens in March," he wrote. "Badly in need of offensive line fortification, the Ravens are eyeing former Bills and Cowboys standout Connor McGovern as a replacement, with Linderbaum expected to land one of the more lucrative deals on the NFL open market. Baltimore has been reticent to spend top dollar on a center for decades, and league sources indicated there have been some underlying medical concerns with Linderbaum, who has been a Pro Bowl player for them but is also undersized.

Hadn't seen this prior to now. Is the propaganda campaign underway? "League sources"....

 

[TommyD4207]

I strongly agree. BAL will have an all-pro center. And we would be much better if we could sign Lindenbaum.

I would note that our 2025 was NOT awful. It was "reprehensive", as you say. Also, there should be a Year 2 lead by a healthy Campbell and a healthy Wilson. I would expect them to be better, even with no additions other the re-signing or replacement of Lowe.

I didn't say "reprehensive", which I'm not sure is a word.
I said "representative".

 

[Real fan 02]

I strongly agree. BAL will have an all-pro center. And we would be much better if we could sign Lindenbaum.

I would note that our 2025 was NOT awful. It was "reprehensive", as you say. Also, there should be a Year 2 lead by a healthy Campbell and a healthy Wilson. I would expect them to be better, even with no additions other the re-signing or replacement of Lowe.

Agreed.. but can I suggest that maybe he is able to succeed well in Baltimore due to the fact they have a excellent run game between Henry and Jackson? With needs at edge, and OG should we tie up a large amount on Linderbaum? To your point continuity.. a year if excellent experience for Campbell and Wilson.. both coming back healthy and getting a stronger along with coaching.. should do wonders for the OL next season..

 

[Wozzy]

Extend Onwenu, spread his cap hit out.

Then add via the draft and more value vet free agents like Bradbury and Moses.

You add in layers to improve, the youngsters improve through experience, strength training and reps.

There’s not a magic fix to every problem. The “problem” here is being wildly overblown.

 

[mgteich]

I didn't say "reprehensive", which I'm not sure is a word.
I said "representative".