New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers is set to become one of the gems of the 2019 free agency class. The Pats aren’t going to use the franchise tag on him, a tag that would pay Flowers $17M. But, that doesn’t mean they won’t make an effort to re-sign him.
In fact, Flowers should have plenty of suitors. The Dallas Cowboys offered DeMarcus Lawrence a contract. One would think that means they’re going to be serious about keeping a star on his helmet. Jadeveon Clowney is going to be available as well, but he’s going to command a hefty fee. So, all things considered, I’d say Flowers is the most attractive pass rusher out there.
Flowers didn’t really see the field in his rookie season. He injured his hand in the preseason and the Pats eventually placed him on injured reserve. So, he really only played in three seasons (2016-18). In those three seasons, he accumulated 21 sacks, 25 tackles for loss, 59 quarterback hits, five forced fumbles, and six pass deflections. It’s difficult to measure, but Flowers is also a tremendous asset against the run. He started every game he played in the last two seasons (14 in 2017, 15 in 2018). If he had a higher sack total, we’d all be talking about him more, but while his production isn’t exactly eye-popping from a stats perspective, it’s the stuff they don’t measure that Flowers excels at.
Bill Belichick raved about his football instincts and decision-making ability. Flowers is a cerebral type of football player, a guy capable of playing anywhere he’s asked. His versatility, paired with his football intelligence and physical ability, make him one of the most well-rounded defensive players in the entire league.
Plus, the guy gets better every year. His improvement since entering the league suggests he’s on a positive trajectory. Pro Football Focus ranked him the third best edge rusher in the NFL in 2018.
Trey Flowers was the third highest-graded edge defender in the NFL last season pic.twitter.com/bx6diDdv8c
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) February 13, 2019
And, it certainly seems he’s going to keep ascending.
The Tennessee Titans should be looking to bolster their pass rush with players like Flowers this offseason. They’ll end up with somewhere in the $30-$40M range in terms of cap space, so they could potentially be able to outbid Flowers’ other suitors. But, he’s going to be expensive.
I don’t think the Titans have a whole hell of a lot of dire needs, so maybe they lay all their chips down and go for it. It’s an advantageous position to be in, and they could certainly be a lot worse off.
But, there are enough needs to warrant pause. The team could use a wide receiver, interior offensive line help, a new backup quarterback, defensive line depth. The Titans could address all of those needs in free agency. If they do, what’s going to be left to offer a huge contract to anyone? I don’t know. Plus, a long-term deal for former All-Pro safety Kevin Byard should be on the table, too.
So, there’s plenty to chew on.
Ultimately, I think Flowers should be the priority. Then, Tyrod Taylor (@ me, cowards). Then, a Jamison Crowder/Devin Funchess type receiver.
I get the whole ‘New England South’ thing – and maybe it does seem a little forced. But, Flowers is a good fit with the Titans in addition to just being a good player. He played multiple spots in New England’s modified 3-4 system. Plus, Mike Vrabel has already publicly stated his affinity for Flowers.
Vrabel, like many coaches both on the Patriots’ staff and around the NFL, absolutely adores Flowers as a player. He explained Wednesday how the defensive end knocked his socks off when Vrabel, then an assistant with the Houston Texans, worked him out ahead of the 2015 NFL Draft.
“Oh, man, I loved Trey even when I went to work him out at Arkansas,” Vrabel said. “I knew when I went over there that this was a guy that Bill (Belichick) would target.”
Granted, I don’t know too many head coaches who wouldn’t be a fan of Flowers, but it’s a positive connection between he and Vrabel regardless.
Can a deal with Flowers get done? That should be free agent question #1 for the Titans.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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