INDIANAPOLIS — In his first press convention because the Patriots’ de facto GM, Eliot Wolf left little doubt.
The Patriots plan to re-sign their finest free brokers, security Kyle Dugger and proper deal with Mike Onwenu, and will even use the franchise tag to maintain them.
“I would say that all the options are on the table. We definitely want to keep Mike and Kyle,” Wolf stated. “We’re hopeful to continue to work with with Kyle’s agent and Mike to make that happen.”
Tagging Dugger would price $17.12 million, whereas Onwenu’s tag as an offensive lineman would verify in at $20.98 million. Both of these figures exceed market projections for each gamers, although the Patriots are flush with cap area. The franchise tag is a single-use, roster-building device accessible to each crew each offseason; a designation that locks in a single participant to 1-year, assured contract.
Wolf confirmed the Patriots have engaged in negotiations with each gamers, however declined to expound on these talks.
“We’ve had conversations,” he stated. “I’ll keep whether they’re productive or not to myself.”
Onwenu fired his brokers final week and reportedly has not employed new brokers. It’s unclear why the 26-year-old modified illustration, however Wolf stated that may not change the crew’s stance in negotiations.
“Mike’s a core player for us, and it’s no secret we want to try to keep Mike. It’ll just be a little bit of a wrinkle dealing with him,” he stated. “Mike’s really smart and he’s introspective and he’s thoughtful. And he understands — he knows what he wants, which is always good when you’re dealing with a player. And he’s certainly someone that we view as a cornerstone for us.”
Wolf’s later feedback cemented the notion that re-signing Onwenu is a precedence for his entrance workplace. Asked concerning the Patriots’ new philosophy, he emphasised retaining “core performers,” like Onwenu.
“Draft and develop. Extend your core performers from within,” he stated. “It’s about honesty, respect, and treating people the right way.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com