Newsstand: Michael Onwenu representing himself in search of big contract
Former Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Michael Onwenu could be one of the highest-earning players out of NFL free agency this year. Spending the last four seasons with the New England Patriots, he could be close to cashing in on a strong start to his career.
Onwenu has made 56 starts in 64 games played in his NFL career, mostly at tackle, after being selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Spotrac predicts a four-year, $54.6 million market value for the former Wolverine.
One respected consultant within NFL circles thinks that Onwenu’s Michigan background will help him in negotiations as he represents himself.
“You have to understand who the player is — in terms of his personality, not just who he is as an athlete,” J.I. Halsell, formerly with NFL Management Council, said. “This is a young man who went to the University of Michigan, a really challenging school academically. Start there. He has the tools, from a mental standpoint, to represent himself.
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“Also keep in mind that he is going into free agency, so this isn’t a super complex negotiation where you have one year remaining on the deal and there are a lot of considerations in terms of playing while talking to the club about a new deal. Because he’s going into free agency, he’s assessing what the Patriots are willing to pay him, and once we get to the legal tampering period, what other teams may be interested in paying him.”
The tampering period for NFL free agents opens on Monday before free agency kicks off on March 13.
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“In basketball, there is still always learning that happens. In those moments, you grow with your players. There are moments where you take them in practice and whether you show it through a drill you’re doing or whether you show it on film. I will always continue to teach our guys about the game of basketball and how you can grow and become better and a winning team. But it also takes the buy-in from everyone and everyone has to get uncomfortable accepting it. We’re going to continue to keep coaching them up, keep teaching. And it’s always one game. We’re going to focus on one game.”
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