Yes, we know plenty of NY Giants fans are quite upset with how the tag deadline day went for Joe Schoen. Surprisingly, the transition tag wasn't placed on Xavier McKinney and Saquon Barkley wasn't tagged either. However, it's not all bad news for Giants Nation.
That's because the New England Patriots used the transition tag on safety Kyle Dugger. Why is this good for the G-Men? Because stud offensive lineman Mike Onwenu wasn't tagged and he's now set to hit the open market. He has long been looked at as a top target for the Giants and now Schoen has the door wide open to go after him.
This also means that #Patriots versatile OL Mike Onwenu won't be tagged and will be a free agent. https://t.co/HyjjHto0Zz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2024
The Giants and Joe Schoen must target Mike Onwenu in free agency
Checking in at 6-3, 350 pounds, we don't have to tell you that Onwenu is a massive specimen. What makes him so special too is that he has the versatility to play either guard or tackle for his next team. We like him at right guard for the Giants, as it looks like Schoen isn't ready to give up on Evan Neal at right tackle just yet and Andrew Thomas is a beast at left tackle.
Onwenu has spent the past four seasons with the Patriots, posting 56 starts and 64 total appearances. The expectation is that he's going to receive plenty of attention in free agency, with the Giants among the teams ready to show interest.
This could come down to a bidding war, but the NY front office simply has to prioritize improving the OL this offseason. In 2023, Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito and Tyrod Taylor were sacked a total of 85 times. That's simply inexcusable and it's the reason OL coach Bobby Johnson was fired the day after the season-ending win over the Eagles.
To fix the line, multiple linemen will be needed via free agency and the NFL Draft. With that said, the Giants look ready to spend big on guys up front soon and Onwenu would be the kind of splash signing to get fans excited. Please, Mr. Schoen, bring the 350-pounder to town.