The Detroit Lions have released former Minnesota Vikings edge rusher, Trey Flowers. Flowers, who signed a five-year, $90 million contract with the Lions in 2019, was expected to be a key contributor to the team’s pass rush.
However, Flowers’ time in Detroit was marked by inconsistency and injury. He appeared in just 14 games over the past two seasons, recording 4.5 sacks and 23 tackles. Flowers’ release is a clear indication that the Lions are looking to upgrade their pass rush and move on from a player who failed to live up to expectations.
The release of Flowers is also a significant salary cap move for the Lions. By cutting Flowers, the team will save approximately $10 million in cap space, which can be used to sign other free agents or re-sign existing players.
Flowers’ release is also a reminder of the challenges of free agency in the NFL. While Flowers was a highly sought-after player when he signed with the Lions in 2019, his production and availability have been inconsistent over the past two seasons. The Lions’ decision to release Flowers is a clear indication that the team is not willing to commit significant resources to a player who is not producing at a high level.
The release of Flowers also raises questions about the Lions’ pass rush heading into the 2023 season. The team has already lost several key contributors to their pass rush, including Romeo Okwara and Charles Harris. The Lions will need to address their pass rush through free agency or the draft if they hope to improve their defense next season.
In terms of potential replacements for Flowers, the Lions may consider signing a free agent edge rusher or drafting a pass rusher in the early rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft. Some potential free agent targets for the Lions include edge rushers like Yannick Ngakoue or Jadeveon Clowney.
Overall, the release of Trey Flowers is a significant move for the Detroit Lions, and it highlights the team’s commitment to upgrading their pass rush and building a more competitive defense.