In the offseason, there is one player that the New England Patriots should make a priority in terms of re-signing. 

Offensive lineman Mike Onwenu is set to be a free agent at the end of the 2023 season. And with a big decision looming, he opened up to A to Z Sports about where his head is at. 

In short, Onwenu wants to stay with the team that first gave him his chance. 

“Its really where I built myself, turning into the person that I am," Onwenu told A to Z Sports. "They took the opportunity on me, drafting me in the sixth round. So I always like to, not necessarily prove doubters wrong, but I like to prove myself right. I always like to put my best foot forward and just prove that I’m supposed to be here and I am here.

And the lineman even revealed how far discussions have gone. 

“I think it’s a mutual feeling. It hasn’t really been any contracts or anything sent," he added. "But my agents have been telling me, ‘yeah, it’s been open talks.’ They’ve been talking to us, but nothing has been written or anything has been put into words.”

Onwenu has become a crucial piece of the Patriots offensive line. And it's his versatility that has stood out the most. 

After being drafted in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he started his rookie season as a tackle, but moved to guard for the 2021 and 2022 season. However, this year, they moved him back to tackle midseason and his performance was enough to allow him to keep the job. 

While there are a few key players who are set to enter free agency, including the Patriots left tackle Trent Brown, keeping Onwenu has to be a priority. And despite the changes that many expect are coming to the team, he still wants to stay in New England. 

“No, it really hasn’t. I don’t know what's being said, but I mean it doesn’t," Onwenu said of such changes impacting his decision. "I think as a player, I’m a player. I’m not a head man so I don’t make the moves, I don’t make the decisions. But at the end of the day, I know I’m gonna do my job and do the best that I can.”

However, one change that has everyone talking right now is whether Bill Belichick will be the head coach of the Patriots next season. And this is something that could affect any player's decision to join the team. 

Onwenu had high praise for his coach, but also explained that he didn't think it would change anything. 

“He’s been a great coach to me. It’s kind of similar to my college route, or not really route, but just like the transition of being a young guy to an older guy. Going to Michigan, had Jim Harbaugh, I’ve kind of been in a system or similar system of how the Patriots are run,” Onwenu said. “No, I don't think so. I mean, the team is the team. That’s why it’s a foundation and that’s why it’s a team. It’s not really built on one person, but he does play a big role. He has played a big role for this team and this organization.”

However, when asked if he wants Belichick to remain the head coach, his answer was clear. 

“Yeah I would like him to stay. I mean, it suits him. I don’t see him anywhere else.”

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