As the Atlanta Falcons look to regain footing in one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions, we’ve been previewing some of the top free agents and imagining how they might fit in Atlanta. No position is stronger in this class than edge defenders. Our next free agent profile continues with a guy who is one of the top pass rushers pending availability in 2019.
Here’s a look at defensive end Trey Flowers, who’s coming off a Super Bowl victory with the New England Patriots.
Trey Flowers
Age: 25
Size: 6-2, 265 pounds
Position: Defensive End
2018 Stats: 57 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, 20 QB hits
Career Stats: 164 tackles, 21 sacks, five forced fumbles, 59 QB hits
Why he makes sense: Flowers is one of the best young players in the league and is hitting free agency at just 25 years old. While his sack totals may not be eye-popping, he’s done what the Patriots have asked him to do extremely well. Pro Football Focus ranked Flowers as the No. 6 EDGE last season with an 89.7 rating. Flowers would be the upgrade Atlanta needs as he is both a force against the run as well being a great pass-rusher.
Why he doesn’t: It’s all about the dollars in free agency and the Falcons just don’t have many of them. With approximately $24.2 million in cap space according to Over The Cap, Atlanta would probably have to let some of their current free agents walk, which is not going to happen. Flowers won’t play for less than his market value, so the Falcons can’t compete.
Probability: Low
If there were no salary cap, this would be a no-brainer for the Falcons or really any team that needs an EDGE. Flowers is rumored to be heading to Miami to play for the Dolphins but it’s all projection at this point. Regardless, it’s very unlikely we will see Flowers in Atlanta.
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