3 unexpected free agent signings the Patriots could still make happen

Trey Flowers

Nearly one year ago this month, the Patriots had an opportunity to reunite with an old friend, Trey Flowers, as he became a free agent after spending three seasons with the Lions.

Unfortunately, he chose to sign with an AFC East foe, the Dolphins but only lasted there for one season.

Now back on the free agent market, Belichick could bring back the former pillar of the defense, which may also go over better now that Matt Patricia is no longer with the team.

The defense isn't necessarily looking for another pass rusher, having Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, and rookie Keion White among others, on the team, and his production over the last few years hasn't been the most impressive. However, Flowers has dealt with injuries over the last few seasons that have greatly impacted his performance on the field.

When healthy, he's still a force on defense that could easily fit into what the Patriots currently have defensively. He's still young, at just 30 years old, and Belichick must still believe Flowers can perform because he did have him in for a visit in mid-March earlier this year.

Although New England finds themselves in a better situation regarding who they have setting the edge, adding depth to that position is never a bad idea.

Quarterbacks around the league are becoming more mobile, which continues to be an issue for the Patriots defense to slow down, so why not add a guy who's a known contributor and familiar with the system as insurance?