AFC East Roundup: 1 player Bills, Dolphins, Jets & Patriots must re-sign in 2024 NFL Free agency

New England Patriots: Mike Onwenu, G

Coming off a 4-13 season in 2023, the Patriots have some serious work to do this offseason when it comes to their roster.  With needs both defensively and offensively, the Patriots must retain some of their pending free agents at key positions.  But none is more important than building that offensive line.

While quarterback and playmakers on offense are a major emphasis going into free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft, re-signing offensive lineman Mike Onwenu would be a big win for the offense.  With tackle Tent Brown also entering free agency, the Patriots must keep Onwenu and rebuild that line around center David Andrews and guard Cole Strange.

Why Patriots must re-sign top offensive lineman Mike Onwenu

Ranked as one of the top offensive linemen entering free agency, another NFL team can make it difficult for the Patriots to match the money given their other offensive needs, but they must make the effort to re-sign the 2020 sixth round pick out of the University of Michigan in hopes of bringing some consistency back to that offensive line in 2023.

The Patriots could turn to cheaper options in free agency and obviously build in the draft, but in my opinion keeping a player who has been solid both at guard and tackle is more important than other top free agents they should re-sign like safety Kyle Dugger, who could be considered the top player they must bring back.  Due to the re-emergence of Jabril Peppers, the team will be fine if they don’t need to overspend to keep Dugger.  That does leave the biggest spotlight on Onwenu.