Potential Packers target Trey Flowers unlikely to be franchise tagged, per report
The Green Bay Packers need to use free agency to strengthen the pass rush, and one player who could be available is Trey Flowers.
FanSided’s Matt Verderame reported on Tuesday that the New England Patriots are “unlikely” to place the franchise tag on Trey Flowers this offseason, which means he’ll hit free agency on March 13 if a long-term deal isn’t agreed.
With the Green Bay Packers needing to strengthen their pass rush this offseason, Flowers could be a player to target in free agency.
A number of the top pass rushers set to hit free agency likely won’t be available when the new league year begins. Adam Schefter of ESPN tweeted on Tuesday that 10 players could be franchise tagged, including edge rushers DeMarcus Lawrence, Jadeveon Clowney and Dee Ford.
Starting today and until March 5, there could be at least 10 players receiving some form of a tag: DeMarcus Lawrence, Jadeveon Clowney, Dee Ford, Frank Clark, Gardy Jarrett, Landon Collins, Nick Foles, Le’Veon Bell, Donovan Smith, Robbie Gould and Stephen Gostkowski, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 19, 2019
But Flowers could be a great addition to the Packers defense if he becomes a free agent. He has at least 6.5 sacks in each of the past three seasons, and finished 2018 with a career-best 7.5 sacks.
However, potentially the biggest problem the Packers will face is the contract. If the players Schefter mentioned all do get franchise tagged and Flowers is one of the only top pass rushers available, his price will rise.
Spotrac’s calculated market value for Flowers has him receiving a contract worth an average salary of $15.7 million. That’s a lot of money to pay someone who has never posted double-digit sacks in a season. Will the Packers be willing to spend big to bring Flowers to Green Bay? I’m not so sure.
The Packers’ best option might be to double down at edge rusher in the 2019 NFL Draft, not necessarily with their first two picks, but two high selections. General manager Brian Gutekunst did just that a year ago by selecting cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson in the opening two rounds.
dark. Next. Top 30 moments in Green Bay Packers history
Do you think the Packers should try to sign Trey Flowers if he hits free agency? And if so, what contract would you offer?