Wolf Reveals Patriots Plan for Top 2 Free Agents

Will the New England Patriots invest some of their financial windfall in a valued pair of internal free agents: offensive lineman Mike Onwenu and/or safety Kyle Dugger?

Let the New England Patriots’ “audacious era” begin?

Typically categorized for their measured approach to roster building, director of scouting Eliot Wolf advised that the Patriots are expected to assert themselves in the days leading into the start of the new league year on March 13. With the prospect of entering free agency with up to $86.9 million in salary cap space, the Pats have the choice of spending lavishly this offseason to improve the team. 

“We’re going to aggressively try to help the team,” Wolf said during a Tuesday morning NFL Scouting Combine press conference. “Take that however you want it, but we will try to do what’s right.”

Fortunately for Patriots fans, this bullish process will seemingly include a strong effort to retain arguably the team’s top two internal free agents: offensive lineman Mike Onwenu and safety Kyle Dugger.  

New England Patriots S Kyle Dugger (23) and OL Mike Onwenu (71) / Cred: USA Today Images

“We definitely want to keep Mike and Kyle, and we’re hopeful we’ll continue to work with Kyle’s agent and Mike to make that happen,” said Wolf. 

Since joining the team as a second-round (No. 37 overall) draft selection in 2020, Dugger has been one of the team’s most reliable defenders. The 27-year-old led all defensive backs with 109 total tackles, while also compiling seven passes-defensed, two interceptions and 1.5 sacks. His on-field prowess combined with his football acumen should help him command several lucrative offers, should he hit the open market. 

If New England opts to give Dugger the non-exclusive franchise tag (which would allow him to sign with another team, while giving the Patriots the right to match), he would receive a $17.1 million fully guaranteed salary for 2024. As such, New England could use the year ahead to work out a long-term deal with the safety.

In similar fashion, Onwenu is considered to be New England’s most-valued offensive lineman. The 26-year-old appeared in 15 games in 2023, aligning on 850 offensive snaps: 194 at guard, and 656 at tackle. Overall, Pro Football Focus graded the Michigan product at 71.5, while crediting him with allowing 23 quarterback disruptions, including three sacks. Whether the Patriots pursue their future franchise quarterback in this year’s draft, secure the services of a savvy veteran, or maintain status quo, Onwenu’s presence on the field will play a major role in said “QB1’s” success

From a financial standpoint, Onwenu is rumored to be in line for a substantial payday, which could see him earn between $17-18 million annually. Should Onwenu command more than that on the open market, New England could place the franchise tag on him. In that scenario, he would receive a fully-guaranteed $20.9 million salary for 2024. Though that may seem like a steep price, Onwenu’s impact on the team’s offense is likely to make him worth such an investment.

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In an added wrinkle, Onwenu appears content to represent himself during negotiations, after parting ways with his representation last week. Despite the pitfalls of negotiating directly with the player himself, Wolf remains optimistic that the impact on their business will not be of a negative nature. 

“It doesn’t impact us,” he explained. “Mike’s a core player for us. It’s no secret we want to try to keep Mike, and it’ll be just a bit of a wrinkle dealing with him. Mike’s really smart, and he’s introspective, and he’s thoughtful. And 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.”

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