Patriots bring back two-time Super Bowl champion defender

The New England Patriots are reaching back into their old contacts list.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Tuesday that the Patriots are reuniting with outside linebacker Trey Flowers. The 29-year-old recently worked out for the Patriots and has now secured a contract from them.

Flowers was New England’s fourth-round draft pick in 2015. He recorded 21 sacks in four seasons on the Patriots and started for two of their Super Bowl-winning teams (LI over the Atlanta Falcons and LIII over the Los Angeles Rams).

After the 2018 season, Flowers left the Pats to sign a five-year, $90 million deal with the Detroit Lions (then coached by Matt Patricia). He struggled with injuries in Detroit and was eventually released following the 2021 campaign. Last season with the Miami Dolphins, Flowers made just four appearances before going on IR in October due to a foot issue.

Flowers is clearly a total toss-up at this point because of his inability to stay healthy. But after whiffing on another veteran defender earlier this month, the Patriots feel that Flowers is worth kicking the tires on before the season.