Now THIS is a big signing for New England.

Ian Rapoport announced on Monday evening that Mike Onwenu is staying put as a cornerstone piece of the offensive line, signing a three-year deal worth $57 million ($19 million per year) and $38 million guaranteed.

Not only does New England bolster the offensive line by keeping one of the best in the league – regardless of where he plays, but he’s probably playing right tackle – but it’s another sign to the locker room that they’re serious about taking care of their own now.

Onwenu has played in 64 games as a Patriot, starting 56 of them since 2020 when he was a sixth round pick (182) overall). Last season when Belichick finally decided to move Onwenu to the tackle position, Onwenu was very vocal about believing he could play anywhere, but wanting to be a tackle.

The obvious reason for that is because he wanted to get paid like a tackle, but it’s also pretty clear by now that he’s just a better fit at the position. Between the addition of Chukwuma Okorafor, the re-signing of Onwenu and the return of Sid Sow, David Andrews, Antonio Mafi and Cole Strange, it feels like if the Patriots can add one more big name at the other tackle spot (fingers crossed for Tyronne Smith) then the O-line has significantly improved.

Either way, much like the signings of Henry, Bourne and now Onwenu, the Patriots are backing up their words when they’ve talked about core players sticking around. There’s still a lot of work to do, but it’s hard to really dislike what they’re doing so far.