Insider Explains Why Mike Onwenu Restructured His Contract With Patriots
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New England Patriots starting right guard Mike Onwenu opted to restructure his deal, which was a bit of a surprise.
After New England didn’t bring in any guard help this offseason, it appeared as if Onwenu would remain the starter. However, he and the Patriots opted to restructure his deal, which ESPN NFL insider Mike Reiss said was due to him not having guaranteed money in his contract.
“Starting right guard Mike Onwenu could have held his ground, insisting he wouldn't adjust his contract that called for him to earn a base salary of $17.5 million in 2026,” Reiss wrote in an article published on Sunday. “He seemed to have some leverage as the team didn't draft a guard and has unproven depth at the position.
“At the same time, Onwenu had no guaranteed money left on the deal, making it easier for the Patriots to move on from him. So the sides reached a compromise last week, with Onwenu taking a $7.5 million pay cut but receiving $10 million in guarantees/bonuses, in addition to $2 million in possible incentives. That locks him in for a seventh season in New England as the team's longest tenured player.”
After the restructure, Onwenu appears set to be the Patriots' starting right guard. However, with him being a free agent at the end of the season, what his future holds is uncertain.
New England selected Onwenu in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Michigan.
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