The New York Giants attempted to trade offensive lineman Ereck Flowers during the 2018 NFL Draft.
It didn’t happen, in part, because of the Giants’ asking price. The team reportedly wanted a mid-round pick as compensation for Flowers. Flowers’ contract also scared off would be suitors. He is scheduled to make $2.4 million in 2018.
Perhaps the biggest reason why Flowers is still a Giant is his play on the field. He has struggled mightily since being drafted ninth overall in 2015. In addition, Flowers’ attitude and demeanor has done very little to endear himself to his teammates and members of the New York media.
Flowers hasn’t attended the team’s voluntary workouts. He has trained in his native Florida instead. He was also the only player who didn’t attend last week’s voluntary mini-camp. Head coach Pat Shurmur said he wanted all Giants players to participate in the offseason workout program. He feels that the team can benefit from the extra practice time as well as get accustomed to the new offensive and defensive schemes.
Flowers’ absence is not lost on the Giants front office.
“He’s in Miami, and we’re here. He decided not to come. He’s an adult,” general manager Dave Gettleman said during the NFL Draft. “He has the ability to make decisions on his own. This is a voluntary program and he’s decided to stay in Miami. If you want to know why he’s not here, call him.”
The Giants signed Nate Solder to a free agent deal that makes him the NFL’s highest paid offensive lineman. Solder is expected to be the team’s starting left tackle. Flowers is expected to compete for the starting right tackle position along with 2017 undrafted free agent Chad Wheeler. The Giants also selected an offensive lineman in the draft, UTEP’s Will Hernandez, in the second round.
“Well, I hope so,” Shurmur said Monday during a Monday interview with ESPN. “At this point, again everything is voluntary, he’s chose to train down in South Florida. But I saw a lot of good things from him a year ago on tape. He’s just sort of made the decision to train away.”
Flowers is entering the final year of his rookie contract. His future with the team may very well depend on how he performs during the summer. His entire salary is guaranteed for 2018 and counts $4.6 million against the cap. The Giants would save $2.2 million against the cap if Flowers is released any time before the start of the regular season.
– Curtis Rawls is a Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage and covers the NFL and the New York Giants. Please like and follow on Facebook and Twitter. Curtis can be followed on Twitter @CuRawls203.
