Lions officially release outside linebacker Trey Flowers

It was expected to happen and reported to be coming, but the Detroit Lions have officially released veteran outside linebacker Trey Flowers.

It seemed likely right after the 2021 season ended, and last week it was reported he had been informed it was happening when the new league year started. The new league year officially started Wednesday afternoon, and as expected a couple hours later the Detroit Lions officially released outside linebacker Trey Flowers.

Head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes released a joint statement confirming the move.

“We speak on behalf of our entire organization in thanking Trey for his contributions to the Detroit Lions over the last three years,” Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell said in a joint statement Wednesday. “He has been an exemplary leader for our team both on and off the field and has helped us set a foundation for the future. Trey is a man of integrity who embodies what it means to serve his community and stand for something larger than yourself. We wish him and his family success as he enters the next stage of his career.”

Injuries ended Trey Flowers’ tenure in Detroit prematurely more than anything

Flowers signed a five-year, $90 million deal with the Lions in 2019, as then-general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia went to their past New England Patriots’ well. After a solid first season in Detroit (seven sacks, eight tackles for loss, 35 quarterback pressures), Flowers was limited to 14 games over the last two seasons and delivered a total of 3.5 sacks over that span.

In terms of cap space the Lions will create by releasing Flowers, it depends. An immediate, pre-June 1 cut would clear $10.386 million in cap space and leave behind $12.853 million in dead money. A post-June 1 designation would clear $16 million in cap space and leave $7.239 million in dead money.

Flowers is now officially free to look for a new team.