We’ve seen this story repeated over and over again. A high-end player on an AFC East team opting to join the division rival New England Patriots. The Buffalo Bills know this first-hand, having lost running back Mike Gillislee and cornerback Stephon Gilmore to New England last offseason alone.
Could starting linebacker Preston Brown join them? According to the veteran himself, it seems to be a real possibility.
“I think I can definitely help the young guys they have there now,” Brown said about the Patriots, via the Boston Herald. “They’ve got some good young talent at linebacker. They run pretty well. I know (David) Harris retired. A lot of young guys were playing well, (Kyle) Van Noy and (Elandon Roberts) played well. They definitely have some things they can work on like we all do, but I think I can help that defense get better.”
Based on these comments, the impending free agent surely has given it some thought. But in no way did he come close to stopping there.
“A lot of guys left the last year, and it seemed like everybody who left us was going to the playoffs. Everybody who left had a good season,” Brown continued. “It’s definitely something you look at like, wow, those guys are having success. But the Patriots, they definitely seem to get the best out of the Buffalo Bills.”
Brown, 25, led the NFL in tackles with 144 this past season. He’s racked up a minimum of 100 tackles in each of his first four NFL seasons and has played at a Pro Bowl level during that span.
For thir part, the Patriots have a need at linebacker following the retirement of David Harris. Brown would certainly be a good fit if the price were right.