Patriots HC Jerod Mayo confirms suspicion on plans for big free agency signing
Mike Onwenu impressed many last season when the offensive lineman showed his versatility at guard and tackle. And the New England Patriots made it clear that re-signing him was a big priority. So now that they have done that, Jerod Mayo explained what their plan is for Onwenu, who spent last season primarily at right […]
Mike Onwenu impressed many last season when the offensive lineman showed his versatility at guard and tackle. And the New England Patriots made it clear that re-signing him was a big priority.
So now that they have done that, Jerod Mayo explained what their plan is for Onwenu, who spent last season primarily at right tackle.
"That’s where he’ll start, but, once again, Big Mike can play in multiple positions," Mayo said at the AFC Coaches Breakfast (via The Boston Herald's Doug Kyed). "He can play guard. He can play right tackle. He can play left tackle. But that’s one of those things where we have to have the conversation going forward.”
Onwenu was re-signed to a three year, $57 million deal, which includes $38 million guaranteed earlier this month. And he even got a $22.5 million signing bonus.
Onwenu played at right tackle during his rookie season, but was moved to guard afterwards. Yet, with all the injuries to the offensive line last season, the Patriots moved him back to his original position. And he thrived.
However, while they have solved their issue at right tackle, there is still an opening at left tackle.
The Patriots also brought in former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor, but he has mainly played at right tackle throughout his career. Yet, Mayo hasn't ruled out the possibility of moving him over to the other side.
“Once again, you look at our roster, we brought in some — [Chukwuma Okorafor], we brought Chuks in. Look, we’ll see when we put the pads on. It’s going to be tough. We have options," Mayo said. "You would hope that the young guys we have on the team would also kind of take that Year 1 to Year 2 jump. Look, Scotty Peters and his staff, they’re charged with developing players. And, look, our roster will change before we get to the draft, so it’s kind of a hard question to really answer.”
