Patriots' Eliot Wolf says he 'definitely wants to keep' two key free agents
The New England Patriots have a lot of players that are set to hit free agency. But Eliot Wolf revealed on Tuesday at the start of the 2024 NFL Combine that there are two players that the team wants to bring back. Offensive lineman Mike Onwenu and safety Kyle Dugger were two candidates for the […]
The New England Patriots have a lot of players that are set to hit free agency. But Eliot Wolf revealed on Tuesday at the start of the 2024 NFL Combine that there are two players that the team wants to bring back.
Offensive lineman Mike Onwenu and safety Kyle Dugger were two candidates for the Patriots franchise tag this offseason, and Wolf was asked directly about his plan.
“All the options are on the table,” Wolf said. “We definitely want to keep Mike and Kyle and we’re hopeful to continue to work with Kyle’s agent and Mike to make that happen.”
While Dugger has been a little more secretive about what's next for him, Onwenu has made his feelings clear.
And simply put, he wants to stay with the team that gave him his first chance. So why wouldn't the Patriots want to keep him.
“Mike’s a core player for us. It’s no secret we want to try to keep Mike,” Wolf added. “It’ll just be a little bit of a wrinkle dealing with him. Mike’s really smart. He’s introspective and he’s thoughtful. He knows what he wants, which is always good when you’re dealing with a player. He’s certainly someone that we view as a cornerstone for us.”
Onwenu spoke with A to Z Sports in December about free agency in December, and opened up about why he wants to remain in New England.
“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."
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.
The offensive lineman reportedly fired his agents earlier this week, so it's unknown at this moment whether that helps or hurts the Patriots chances of bringing him back.
But for New England's sake, hopefully it helps. Especially given Wolf's latest comments.
Patriots OL Mike Onwenu has reportedly fired his agents ahead of free agency
Maybe this will keep him around.
