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Eric WoodyardESPN
DETROIT — The LionsHave notified outside linebacker Trey FlowersESPN sources have confirmed that he will be released next Tuesday, when the league year begins on Wednesday.
Detroit Free Press reported the news first.
Flowers could not stay healthy in the past two seasons, despite a $90 million five-year deal with the Lions for $56 million and a $90 million guarantee.
He was put on the injured reserve in 2020 and 2021 seasons. In total, he had just 3.5 sacks during that span. In his 15-game debut season with the Lions, he had seven sacks.
The original deal was signed by Matt Patricia, a former Lions coach who knew Flowers from their time at the Lions. New England Patriots. The new regime, led by Brad Holmes, general manager, and Dan Campbell as head coach, is moving in a completely different direction.
Detroit’s decision of releasing Flowers frees up at least $10m in salary cap space, which is well ahead of the free agency period. Flowers had a cap of $23.2million in 2022.
Trey means the ultimate glue guy. The ultimate leader. Holmes expressed his love for Flowers during Flowers’ end-of season availability. “It was very unfortunate that he had the to deal. But those discussions will come down the road.
Flowers, a professional on the field who was also active in the Detroit community, was committed to criminal justice reforms and opposed mass incarceration.
He was the Patriots’ second selection in the fourth round (101st Overall) of 2015 NFL Draft. He also had 21 sacks in New England over four seasons.