With Joe Douglas’ latest move in free agency, he reunited a pair of Ravens linebackers.
Douglas signed Patrick Onwuasor to a one-year deal on Wednesday, ensuring that the Portland State product will get to play alongside C.J. Mosley again. The two enjoyed success playing next to each other during the 2018 season. That could happen once again in New York, though it’s unclear what Onwuasor’s role will be.
Adding Onwuasor to the mix means the Jets have six inside linebackers on their depth chart. While someone may have to go, Onwuasor’s versatility allows them to get creative.
With that, let’s get to now the Jets’ newest addition to their defense. Here are four things to know about Onwuasor.
Versatile chess piece
While the Jets now have six inside linebackers on the active roster, Patrick Onwuasor adds a bit of versatility that his position-mates do not.
For the majority of Onwuasor’s career in Baltimore, he played as the weakside linebacker next to C.J. Mosley. Once Mosley signed a lucrative contract with the Jets last offseason, Onwuasor was supposed to be his strongside heir. Instead, he struggled in place of Mosley and was moved back to the weakside.
Over the last three seasons, Onwuasor has recorded 9.5 sacks in addition to creating five turnovers. Not only can Onwuasor rush the passer from the middle of the defense, but he also excels in coverage.
Onwuasor is a versatile chess piece that Gregg Williams could use a number of ways, but his arrival could also allow New York to move some money around. Onwuasor could replace Avery Williamson, who can still end up a cap casualty. Cutting him saves Joe Douglas roughly $6.5 million in cap space.
Reunited, and it feels so good
Onwuasor recorded 59 tackles, 5.5 sacks, three pass breakups and a 67.1 PFF grade when playing next to Mosley in 2018. Mosley had 105 tackles, half a sack, five pass breakups and one interception.
Mosley turned that season playing next to Onwuasor into the most lucrative contract for a player at their position.
Nutty nickname
Patrick Onwuasor has been called “peanut” since he was a small child playing basketball in Inglewood, California.
One of Onwuasor’s coaches called him a “peanut head” and the nickname has stuck ever since. Onwuasor embraced the nickname, going as far as getting a “Mr. Peanut” tattoo on his forearm.
A unique journey
Onwuasor was recruited to play wide receiver at the University of Arizona. Shortly after a move to safety, he was kicked off the football team by head coach Rich Rodriguez after being arrested on drug and weapons charges. He was subsequently charged with four felonies, which were later dropped.
After his stint at Arizona, Onwuasor joined Portland State where he played safety for the Vikings. Onwuasor finished second for the FCS Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 and signed with Baltimore as a high-priority undrafted free agent following the commencement of the 2016 NFL Draft.
