Latest news with #MikeOnwenu
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Is a Patriots Trade for T.J. Watt a Long Shot?
Is a Patriots Trade for T.J. Watt a Long Shot? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. T.J. Watt's contract standoff with the Pittsburgh Steelers has sparked trade rumors, but does a move to the New England Patriots seem like a fantasy? The star edge rusher wants to be the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback, demanding over $40.25 million annually. Can the Patriots pull off this blockbuster, or is it just a pipe dream? Advertisement The Patriots boast $61 million in salary cap space, per Spotrac, enough to absorb Watt's hefty price tag. Yet, a proposed trade, Jabrill Peppers, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 third-rounder, lacks the first-round pick Pittsburgh would likely demand. Pittsburgh's playoff aspirations make trading Watt illogical. The Steelers, bolstered by acquisitions like Jalen Ramsey and Aaron Rodgers, are all-in for 2025. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted, 'There's not a lot of traction in the Steelers' organization to trade Watt' But will they pay him what he wants? New England Patriots guard Mike Onwenu (71) blocks against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the second quarter at Acrisure LeClaire-Imagn Images New England, rebuilding after consecutive four-win seasons, isn't one star away from contention. Watt, turning 31 in October, offers no long-term guarantee, especially in a contract year. The Patriots need foundational pieces, not an overly priced rental. Advertisement Watt's elite production, 15 sacks in 2024, makes him tempting, but his age raises red flags. NFL Analysis Network warns that edge rushers often decline post-30, and New England risks overpaying for diminishing returns. Pittsburgh's focus remains on extending him. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Watt's demand for a five-year deal is a sticking point, as age-related decline concerns linger. Both sides are digging in, but Pittsburgh's history of last-minute extensions suggests Watt stays put. Will the Patriots defy the odds, or is this trade talk just noise? Stay tuned. Related: Patriots Rookie Garnering Huge Praise From Analysts This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patriots OL Mike Onwenu Explains Reasons for Limited OTA Participation
Patriots OL Mike Onwenu Explains Reasons for Limited OTA Participation originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Versatility and durability have been staples of offensive lineman Mike Onwenu's five-year NFL career. Advertisement Onwenu has appeared at every offensive line position except center, and he has started at left guard, right guard, and right tackle in the professional ranks. The injury bug has stayed away from Onwenu, too, resulting in him missing just two games over the past three seasons. The veteran offensive lineman was rewarded for these traits with a three-year, $57 million extension to his original rookie deal in 2024, locking him into the New England Patriots' front five rotation until the 2026 campaign. He is expected to serve as the team's starting right tackle once the regular season begins. But Onwenu has participated in the Patriots' OTAs, which have been held at practice fields near Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, in a limited capacity thus far. On Monday, Onwenu shared why he has not been fully engaged in the team's offseason activities. New England Patriots offensive tackle Mike Onwenu (71) participates in a drill during training camp at Gillette Canha-Imagn Images He offered a three-word response: "rehabbing my hand." Advertisement Onwenu originally signed a four-year, $3,497,476 rookie contract with the Patriots after the team selected him with the No. 182 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan, where he played right guard for three seasons and was twice named to the All-Big Ten Conference Third Team. Onwenu's lone major professional honor was landing a spot on the Professional Football Writers Association's All-Rookie Team in 2020, which served as the culmination of his strong play at right guard, left guard, and right tackle. Last season, Onwenu spent most of the season at right guard (12 starts, 712 snaps), but he also played at right tackle (five starts, 308 snaps). He finished the year as the team's most productive offensive lineman, according to Pro Football Focus, which gave him a 65.2 offensive grade. Related: Patriots WR Connected to Trade Recommended for 49ers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
