Potential Titans FA target Mike Onwenu won’t get franchise tag

As potential free-agent targets have come off the board for the Tennessee Titans this offseason because of franchise tags, there is one offensive lineman who remains slated to hit free agency, barring an extension.

On Tuesday, several reports revealed that the New England Patriots will be placing the transition tag on safety Kyle Dugger, which means right tackle Mike Onwenu won’t be tagged since teams can only utilize one tag per offseason.

While it isn’t guaranteed the Titans will seek out a right tackle in free agency with the presence of both Dillon Radunz — who finished the 2023 campaign strong — and Nicholas Petit-Frere, Onwenu should be at the top of the list of right tackle targets if Tennessee looks to add one in free agency.

Onwenu, who can also play guard, had a strong season in 2023, with the 26-year-old giving up just three sacks and 23 pressures in 850 snaps (656 at right tackle, 194 at right guard).

He finished with PFF grades of 68.0 and 72.2 in pass-blocking and run-blocking, respectively, and had an overall grade of 71.5.

Spotrac estimates that Onwenu will receive a four-year deal worth $54.5 million ($13.6 million annually). The Titans are flush with cap space, so if they want to pull the trigger and bring Onwenu in for that amount, they certainly have the means to do so.