We're on to Washington

[mayoclinic]

The only name that I would not deem expendable at this point is Mike Onwenu.

I know the Patriots are moving toward another scheme.

But they have drafted Cole Strange, Chasen Hines, Atonio Mafi, Sidy Sow, Jake Andrews, Layden Robinson, Caeden Wallace, Jared Wilson and a bunch of FAs for the IOL, and only Wilson has a chance of working out for us. So many picks, so many signings, and no one can unseat Onwenu.

So why do we think we can find a replacement?

Do not mention Mike Onwenu's age, he is only 28 years old. 7 years younger than Moses.

Do not mention Onwenu's output, he has been remarkably durable, an absolute stalwart.

Do not mention Onwenu's contract, because at $18m a year, that is normal now in the NFL for a guard with Onwenu's production. If you want someone as good as Onwenu, you pay $18m. Going rate.

David Edwards is the same age as Onwenu and just signed a new contract that runs until 2029. He got half of the contract up front as a signing bonus. He will cost over $20m a year.

Is Edwards so much better than Onwenu?

I totally understand the idea of saving $20m a year by bringing in a much cheaper replacement in the draft, but is it worth risking Drake Maye's health if you're not assured of doing it?

The problem here is that we drafted 7 guys for the guard position and we struck out on each and every one. I am not saying we should give up on drafting guards because of our abysmal record, but you certainly should not jettison a stalwart at the position UNTIL you absolutely know you have his replacement, especially with often injured Vera-Tucker at the other guard position.

You make several very good points.

Mike Onwenu's 2026 cap hit is $25M, the second highest on the team. Your RG should never be the 2nd highest cap hit on your team.

That said, you are 100% correct that $18-20M/AAV is now a mid range contract in the NFL.

Mike Onwenu is an above-average RG, in a contract year, slightly overpaid, and out of step with the athletic profile and scheme the Pats are moving towards.

I think the team would welcome an opportunity to get younger, faster, cheaper.

But you don't cut off your nose to spite your face, and moving on from Mike Onwenu probably weakens your team for 2026. The only 2026 replacement option I see would be signing 34 year old Joel Bitonio, to use some of the cap savings elsewhere (e.g. AJ Brown). Bitonio is far more athletic, but he us 34. I am not advocating for this.

Unlike many, I did not want the Pats to make a run at David Edwards. He is also an above-average IOL, but he also does not fit the highly athletic profile the Pats seem to be moving towards. Connor McGovern did, but the Bills re-signed him. AVT was by far the best fit, and the Pats targeted. He only hit the market because of his injury history.

Extending Onwenu beyond 2026 could be an option. If the Pats feel that is their best option, doesn't overly hinder the rest of the line in terms of scheme, and he can be extended in the $18-20M AAV range, that would make sense. There are other needs to address. Personally, I doubt that happens. But I 100% agree that we shouldn't actively jettison Onwenu without a clear replacement plan.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

The only counterpoint is we did get the guy in Strange but he was hurt too much of the time. Healthy he was good, and was the only OG pick above 4th round. The others were low rounders that aren't even in the league now. Next year we should shoot for a guard on day 2. As you say, Onwenu is safe in 2026 but I think it will be a financial goal to draft a replacement next year for 2027 if possible. I like his size and durability though.

J Amdrews is starting in the NFL.

 

[40yrpatsfan]

But he was a tackle (Wallace).

 

[40yrpatsfan]

J Amdrews is starting in the NFL.

He's a center.