Offensive lineman Mike Onwenu reworks contract with the Patriots

Mike Onwenu, who was entering the final year of a three-year deal worth $57 million, has reworked his contract with the Patriots, according to a league source.

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The veteran offensive lineman has agreed to a revised one-year, $10 million deal for the 2026 season. The contract includes $8.95 million fully guaranteed, and lowers his salary-cap hit from $25 million to $17.5 million.

Onwenu, 28, has played six seasons for New England, lining up at guard and tackle. The 6-foot-3-inch, 350-pounder led the team in regular-season snaps last year (1,082) and hasn’t missed a start in more than two seasons.

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It’s reasonable to think this move is about more than just Onwenu. The Patriots will likely face some major contractual questions in the near future, as they will have to figure out a new deal for cornerback Christian Gonzalez (who will be a free agent after the 2027 season). With the market for elite cornerbacks continuing to skyrocket — the NFL’s highest-paid corner, Trent McDuffie, makes $31 million per year — Gonzalez is likely to command a sizable new deal.

In addition, with the expectation New England will attempt to trade for wide receiver A.J. Brown after June 1 — after the cap hit lessens for the Eagles — the Patriots could be bracing for the financial impact of a Brown deal, as he carries a $23.9 million cap hit for this season.

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