Titans and NFL Free Agency: the Pros and Cons of Signing Offensive Lineman Mike Onwenu

Mike Onwenu, a talented, 26-year-old offensive lineman who has played well at three different positions, is about to get paid. Should the Tennessee Titans use some of their salary cap surplus to acquire this free-agent offensive lineman?

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans' offensive line needs help. 

The first chance of a rescue arrives Monday with the beginning of free agency. And one option on general manager Ran Carthon's shopping list could be New England Patriots offensive tackle Mike Onwenu. 

The Titans can start negotiating with players on Monday, March 11, the first day of what the NFL calls the legal tampering period. Beginning Wednesday, March 13, teams can sign free agents.  

Should Carthon sign Onwenu? Let's explore.

First, his career highlights:

• Pro Football Writers Association 2020 All-Rookie Team;
• A versatile player capable of starting at multiple positions on the offensive line. He has started 20 games at right guard, five at left guard, 13 at right tackle, and three as a tackle-eligible tight end.

No. Don't do it

Offensive linemen under age 30, like Onwenu, are hot commodities, especially those who can protect the quarterback's blind side. 

Several teams will compete to have Onwenu, and while the Titans have over $70 million in cap space, spending too much in one acquisition could be unwise considering the Titans also have needs at wide receiver and in the secondary. The draft is rich with tackles and the Titans could address the need there.

Pro Football Focus projects Onwenu signing a four-year deal with an annual average salary of $14.5 million.

Yes. Sign him up

Onwenu allowed three sacks and 23 pressures in 850 snaps last season — 656 at right tackle and 194 at right guard. He's never allowed more than three sacks in a season and has only 10 career penalties. 

In 2023, Onwenu ranked 29th among all NFL tackles. He is a dependable pass protector and blocker with good footwork.

Onwenu would instantly upgrade the Titans offensive line. $14.5 million is the going rate for a good offensive lineman.

Related Titans stories

• THE COURTSHIP OF A CORNERBACK: The Kansas City Chiefs put L'Jarius Sneed on the non-exclusive franchise tag before Tuesday's deadline. Sneed would make $19.8 million for the 2024 season. The Tennessee Titans are one of seven NFL teams to reach out to the Chiefs about a possible trade. CLICK HERE
• RAIDERS LIKE TITANS' NO. 7 PICK: The Las Vegas Raiders likely have eyes for Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who now is projected as a top 10 draft pick and outside the Raiders' reach at No. 13. The Tennessee Titans can still get a good offensive tackle and add draft assets if they trade down. CLICK HERE
• FREE-AGENT MATCHMAKER: Pro Football Focus, the sports analytics company that grades the performance of every NFL player, suggests that Ravens safety Geno Stone and Texans cornerback Steven Nelson would be good fits for the Tennessee Titans. CLICK HERE