The New England Patriots start to 2024 NFL Free Agency was not what anyone expected it to be. 

For many fans, it was a frustrating start to the offseason as the team could not land a big-name free agent. However, there were still some winners in the organization following the team's moves thus far. 

Below are the three biggest winners. 

OL Mike Onwenu

After a strong 2023 season, Mike Onwenu entered free agency for the first time at the perfect time in his career. He truly showed his versatility, having to move to right tackle during the season due to injuries on the offensive line. 

And it was clear that he impressed at that position, with the coaching staff making the decision to keep him there for the remainder of the year. 

While he reportedly had interest from other teams, Onwenu emphasized that he wanted to return to New England. Simply put, he wants to stay with the team that gave him his first chance. 

And director of scouting (and basically the Patriots GM) Eliot Wolf also emphasized at the start of the 2024 NFL Combine that bringing him back was a priority. 

Onwenu signed a three-year, $57 million deal, which includes $38 million guaranteed, getting the money that he deserved. And it was also a win for the Patriots considering the other contracts that tackles were signing. 

He gets to remain with the Patriots, while New England gets their top tackle back. 

QB Bailey Zappe

In terms of all the changes that have happened in the quarterback room this offseason, Bailey Zappe is both a winner and a loser throughout this process. And that's because of all the unknowns. 

So let's break down why he is a winner. 

The Patriots traded quarterback Mac Jones, who seemingly was Zappe's biggest competition in retaining a spot on the roster.  

And they brought in Jacoby Brissett, who will add a solid veteran presence to the room. 

Plus, Jerod Mayo has made it clear that if the fit isn't right when the Patriots are on the clock with the No. 3 pick, he wasn't just going to take a quarterback to take one. He was confident in who they had on the roster. 

"And honestly, look, he could absolutely be our starter this year," Mayo said at the 2024 NFL League Meeting. "We'll have to see. Like I said, we're not dead set at taking a quarterback at No. 3, but we do feel good having a guy like Jacoby ready to go."

So if this is the case, Zappe could find himself as the backup once again. 

QB Mac Jones

He got out! 

After a tumultuous time in New England, Mac Jones has a new home. And it is already proving to be a much better fit for him. 

The Patriots traded Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this month, in exchange for a 6th-round pick. 

Plus, he played high school football at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, so this is a homecoming for him.

And he will serve as the backup quarterback to Trever Lawrence, which is an additional positive considering that he gets some time to regroup and focus on himself instead of all the other controversy he was caught up in with New England.