Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jordy McElroy

Patriots OL Mike Onwenu set to be free agent with no franchise tag in place

The franchise tag deadline has come and gone with the New England Patriots opting to use the transition tag on safety Kyle Dugger. That move alone knocked offensive lineman Mike Onwenu out of the running for the franchise tag.

So, what does it all mean for the Patriots?

The transition tag will allow the Patriots an opportunity to match any outside offers for Dugger, who has stepped up as a leader in the defensive backfield after Devin McCourty retired. However, they’re risking losing Onwenu on the open market without a tag in place.

The veteran offensive lineman showed off his versatility last season when working in at both right tackle and guard. Tackle is arguably the biggest trouble spot on the Patriots’ roster, and with Trent Brown also set to be a free agent, the team could lose both of its starters on the open market.

It’s a scary situation for a team expected to select a rookie quarterback at No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL draft.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.