Michael Bennett becoming a New England Patriot was a shock to many. The 33-year-old defensive end is being traded from the Philadelphia Eagles with draft picks in return. This now leaves the question: What happens with Trey Flowers?
This offseason has been surrounded with the uncertainty of whether or not Flowers will return to New England after playing phenomenal football for three seasons. Historically, the Patriots aren’t quick to give out expensive long-term contracts to even the elite players they have. Flowers is a two-time Super Bowl champion that averaged seven sacks in three seasons.
On the contrary, Bennett had nine sacks last season and 8.5 the season before. From a productivity standpoint, Bennett has been the more efficient player. Flowers has become a leader in the locker room, though, and Bennett has been known as a distraction and problematic player at times. So, it seems as if the Patriots are going with the temporary option that can give a solid year or two without the long-term commitment.
The idea of Flowers returning or not still hasn’t been decided, but this just makes the reality of his return a bit more complicated. He has expressed interest in staying with the Patriots and recently made it clear that he wants to help the team win Super Bowl ring No. 7.
Tom Brady will be 42 years old this season and the Patriots will likely do anything possible to worry about present instead of the future. This move will provide a temporary fix at the defensive end position in order to aim for a Super Bowl appearance in 2019. The likelihood of Flowers remaining a Patriot just slimmed down tremendously.
.jpg?w=600)
