Mike Onwenu

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Patriots just handed out a disastrous contract to Mike Onwenu, turning what should have been a reasonable guard extension into a significant overpay that earns an F CVI grade. Paying $19M annually for an unproven interior lineman represents a fundamental misreading of the market — that's elite guard money for a player who hasn't consistently demonstrated above-average production at the position. While Onwenu showed flashes of competence in limited action, the Patriots are essentially betting $36.5M in guaranteed money on projection rather than proven performance, a dangerous gamble for a position group where reliability matters more than upside. The three-year structure does provide some flexibility compared to longer deals, but when you're already overpaying by this margin, contract length becomes secondary to the core problem of misallocated resources. This signing reflects the kind of roster building that keeps teams stuck in mediocrity — overpaying for their own players based on hope rather than securing proven talent at fair market rates.

Performance Analysis

Mike Onwenu's F grade with one of the lowest scores is absurdly misleading for one of the NFL's best young linemen. The Patriots' guard/tackle has been one of New England's most reliable offensive players, earning a significant contract extension based on his dominant play. Onwenu's ability to play both guard and tackle at a high level makes him one of the most valuable linemen in football. His combination of power, technique, and intelligence has made him a cornerstone of the Patriots' offensive line. The grade almost certainly reflects injury-limited data rather than any decline in actual play quality.