Patriots' Michael Onwenu Going into Free Agency Without Agent
Michael Onwenu is taking free agency quite literally.
A report from Mike Florio of NBC Sports has revealed that offensive lineman and New England Patriots free agent-to-be Michael Onwenu has no representation heading into the week.
Florio's source has revealed that Onwenu has parted ways with father-son representation duo Roosevelt and Jovan Barnes mere days before the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis kicks off this week and has informed teams of his decision. Roosevelt's previous clients include Ray Lews, Emmitt Smith, and Ndamukong Suh.
This free agency period will be Onwenu's first on the market since coming over to Foxborough as a sixth-round pick out of Michigan in 2020.
Time will tell if Onwenu opts to follow through on his apparent desires of self-representation. As Florio notes, players must work through a five-day waiting period before hiring new representation.
Onwenu is expected to be one of the Patriots' most impactful free agents. He has steadily risen from day three pick to serviceable staple on the New England offensive line, having played on both the inside and outside over the past four seasons. Analytical statistic compiler Pro Football Focus labeled Onwenu the Patriots' "most important" free agent entering the 2024 signing period.
"No matter where he lined up, he performed well as a big, physical mauler in the run game who absorbs power rushers really well," PFF's Brad Spielberger wrote of Onwenu, who stands at 6-3 and 350 lbs. "From Week 7 on once Onwenu moved back to right tackle, his 4.9 percent pressure rate allowed was a top-20 mark among all tackles. He has earned run-blocking grades above 70.0 in each of his NFL seasons."
Onwenu is one of two starting staples on the offensive line potentially on the move: Trent Brown is also set to hit the market, though there isn't much optimism about his return.
