By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Trey Flowers is only concerned with himself on the field, not off it.
The Patriots defensive end figures to continue to be a major piece of the defense in 2018. But beyond that, his future in New England remains wholly uncertain. His status mirrored that of right guard Shaq Mason, a fellow 2015 fourth-round pick. They’ve come up together and were both entering the last year of their rookie contracts – until Monday.
Now that Mason has reportedly signed a five-year extension worth up to $50 million that locks him up with the Patriots through as far as 2023, the attention turns to Flowers. He’s now the most glaring financial question mark on the roster, and (besides Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski) the No. 1 Patriot to watch in that department. If Flowers ends up on the open market, he could be in line for a huge pay bump – even if it’s not quite at the top of the market.
That last part may be what helps the Patriots keep Flowers around at a reasonable price. But either way, it sounds like the furthest thing from Flowers’ mind right now as he works his way back from an unknown injury.
“I’ve been working,” said Flowers. “I’ve been out practicing and working on my craft. That’s the only progress.”
Sep 17, 2017; New Orleans, LA: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is pressured by New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Patriots won, 36-20. (Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports)
Flowers remains one of the most valuable players on the team, and a likely centerpiece of their revamped pass rush in 2018. But he’s also been sidelined for much of training camp, practicing in a limited capacity in recent weeks. It’s been hampering his progress in terms of getting better on the field. But regardless of what he’s been doing football-wise, Flowers indicated that his contract is not being discussed with the team.
“You want to let that handle itself when the time comes,” Flowers said when asked if he feels any pressure to get a contract done sooner rather than later.
It certainly doesn’t sound like anything is imminent on the contract front with Flowers. Unless, of course, there is and he was just being coy. He also said “I ain’t worried about that” (via Mike Giardi) when asked if Mason’s new contract has changed his thinking about getting his own deal.
Flowers seems totally unconcerned with his contract situation for now. And perhaps that’s because there’s an understanding between himself and the team that they’ll work something out down the road. Whatever the situation is, Flowers is doing his best to block it out and keep it away from the public conversation.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
