A change on the line could pay off for Trey Flowers

FOXBORO – Among those with a lot on the line this season, 2018 represents a big year for Trey Flowers. The 24-year-old is currently in the final year of his rookie contract. After a solid showing in the last two years, a big season could mean big money for the Patriots most talented pass rusher.

Of course, in typical Patriots fashion, Flowers isn’t looking too far ahead. He knows if he makes ample improvements, the contract will work out next March.

"As far as [...]

FOXBORO – Among those with a lot on the line this season, 2018 represents a big year for Trey Flowers. The 24-year-old is currently in the final year of his rookie contract. After a solid showing in the last two years, a big season could mean big money for the Patriots most talented pass rusher.

Of course, in typical Patriots fashion, Flowers isn’t looking too far ahead. He knows if he makes ample improvements, the contract will work out next March.

“As far as what’s happening in 10 months from now, no I haven’t thought about it,” Flowers said. “You know, I’m just focusing on getting better, improving my overall game. I’ll let that take care of itself when that time comes.”

Flowers has led the Patriots in sacks each of the last two seasons – last year with 6.5 and seven in 2016. During that 2016 campaign, the edge rusher took opponents by surprise and his seven sacks actually came in the second half of the season. Last year, Flowers had teams game planning for him.

This summer, we’ve seen Flowers work in a different spot on the defensive line. After lining up on the right edge a year ago, Flowers has been a staple on the left side of the defensive line. Typically, that spot has been reserved for outside linebackers like Rob Ninkovich and Dont’a Hightower. In training camp, the Pats have been heavier up front with Flowers and either Deatrich Wise or Adrian Clayborn on the other side of the line.

Flowers said he had to train a little differently this offseason to prepare for the move.

“It’s one of those deals, you got to train your body to be able to make that transition and go from right to left,” Flowers said. “It’s one of those things, you go in and train about it. As long as it’s the best fit for the team as far as what they want and how they want and who they want out there, you just got to make the best [of] it.”

With the help of Wise and Clayborn, the move could help Flowers improve his numbers from a year ago. If that happens, it’ll likely pay off in a big way come next offseason.