Michael Onwenu has agreed to a contract adjustment and taken a pay cut. This gives the New England Patriots more flexibility with their cap space.

Guard Michael Onwenu and the New England Patriots have agreed to a contract adjustment for the 2026 season.

According to “ESPN” reporter Mike Reiss, the 28-year-old will earn just $10 million in the final year of his contract. That is $7.5 million less than before, but he will receive the entire amount in the form of bonuses and guarantees.

Onwenu started every regular-season game over the past two seasons. He has played a total of 98 games for the Patriots to date.

New England Patriots free up cap space

Onwenu was drafted in the sixth round in 2020. In 2024, he signed a three-year contract extension worth $57 million.

For the Patriots, the change to Onwenu’s contract frees up more cap space, which can in turn be used for new players. As a result of this move, the franchise currently has $42.5 million available.

Recently, there have been recurring rumors surrounding wide receiver A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles. However, the franchise was already below the NFL’s required cap amount prior to this.