Patriots Reportedly Found its Offensive Tackles of The Future

The New England Patriots missed the postseason for the first time in 2008, and head coach Bill Belichick is already planning the future. He and his assistant coaches led the team to a 7-9 record. It was a disappointing season for the team, and some players will have to leave. But, it’s more than obvious that the Patriots will keep some of their offensive tackles.

Yodny Cajuste

The 24-year-old is under contract through the 2022 season. He is taking a salary hit of $985,545 in 2021. Cajuste underwent an offseason quad surgery and missed his rookie campaign. His second year with the Patriots didn’t go well, too. Cajuste suffered a knee injury and the Patriots placed him on injured reserve. The Patriots will pay special attention to Cajuste. If he takes part in offseason workouts and training camp, Belichick will give him a chance to play. If not, he will have to go.

Marcus Cannon

Cannon is under contract through the 2022 NFL season and has a salary cap of $9.62. The Patriots have yet to make a decision on his status. In 2011, Cannon was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and sat out 2020 due to health concerns. Cannon’s future with the Patriots is not secure. New England likes sixth-round draft selection Michael Onwenu.

Korey Cunningham

Cunningham is under contract through the 2021 season. He has a salary cap hit of $920,000. In 2020, Cunningham played in one game. Michael Onwenu, Justin Herron, and Jermaine Eluemunor got the top offensive tackle spots. Cunningham appeared in 11 games but played only 46 offensive snaps. He showed versatility at tackle and guard, but his future with the Patriots may not be that clear. If he wants to stay around, he will have to play better.

Jermaine Eluemunor

Eluemunor will enter free agency on March 17. He replaced Cannon and was part of a rotation alongside Onwenu. Eluemunor suffered an ankle injury in Week 5, so Onwenu did most of the job. Belichick follows Eluemunor’s improvement mostly because he is experienced and versatile.

Justin Herron

He is under contract through 2023 and carries a salary cap hit of $823,117 in 2021. The Patriots used him as a fourth offensive tackle, and he will probably return in 2021.

Intriguing options for the Patriots and their offensive tackles

Michael Onwenu

Onwenu is under contract through 2023 and carries a salary cap hit of $830,617 in 2021. He was right tackle in 2020 and Belichick may ask him to go to the interior next season. Everything depends on Joe Thuney’s free agency decision.

Isaiah Wynn

Wynn is under contract through 2021 and carries a salary cap hit of $3.64 million in 2021. In 2020, he missed a lot of time. His future with the team depends on his health. Wynn is a capable player and he may keep his position.