The Falcons need all the help they can get along the defensive front. Heading into the 2022 offseason, Atlanta only has one defender under contract that would start on other teams — Grady Jarrett. Reinforcements could come in the form of Trey Flowers, who was released Thursday by the Lions after three seasons.
The former Patriots’ defensive end signed a five-year, $90 million contract in March 2019 with $56 million in guaranteed money. The signing reunited Flowers with head coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn, who previously worked in New England as defensive coordinator and director of pro scouting, respectively.
From 2016 to 2018, the former fourth-round pick tallied 21 sacks, 25 tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles — prompting the lucrative deal he received from Detroit. During his first season with the Lions, the signing could only be seen as a resounding success. However, the past two seasons have been a different outcome as injuries have limited him to just 14 games with declining production.
Flowers ends his stint in Detroit playing in 29 games, recording 97 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles. With a $23.239 million cap hit and $12.853 million in dead money, the Lions save $10.386 million with the move.
Given Flowers’ success in the Patriots’ defense, it would make sense if the Falcons expressed their desire to bring him to Atlanta. He’d be a seamless schematic fit in Dean Pees’ defense. With the versatility to play early downs on the edge and kick inside on obvious passing downs, Flowers could be an excellent cost-effective piece to add next to Grady Jarrett.
Although, nobody should be surprised if he signs with the Patriots. Bill Belichick is infamous for letting high-priced, in-house free agents walk to sign lucrative deals with other teams only to sign them for pennies when that organization inevitably releases them.
Photographer: Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire
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