Depending on how the franchise tag market plays out here over the next several days, New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers could ultimately be the top free agent available when March 13 comes calling.
Flowers, 25, has led New England in sacks in each of the past three seasons — recording a combined 21 quarterback take downs. He’s also tallied an eye-opening 59 quarterback hits during that span.
According to NFL insider Tony Pauline, the Miami Dolphins are now considered favorites to land the stud former first-round pick.
“The word in Indianapolis (at the NFL Combine) is that the Miami Dolphins are the front runners for top-rated pass rusher Trey Flowers at this point,” the report read. “The former fourth-round pick is generally considered the top available player in this year’s free-agent market.”
Needless to say, a signing like this would be a major coup for Miami after a disappointing seven-win 2018 campaign. Remember, new Dolphins head coach Brian Flores worked with Flowers in New England over the past four seasons.
Though, the Dolphins’ cap situation might impact their ability to offer Flowers top-end money. They are currently just $8.72 million under the cap.
The imminent releases of quarterback Ryan Tannehill and defensive end Robert Quinn would save another $26-plus million against the cap — making Flowers a strong possibility.