We continue our player-by-player look at the San Diego Chargers' potential unrestricted free agents with a closer look at a playmaker in the secondary.
Flowers started 14 games last season, playing a total of 769 snaps. He missed time due to concussion and groin injuries. A second-round selection by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2008 draft, Flowers has totaled 20 interceptions, 101 pass deflections and four forced fumbles in seven NFL seasons. Pro Football Focus ranks Flowers as the top cornerback available in free agency.
Chargers career: A late addition to the 2014 roster after signing a one-year, $3 million deal in June, Flowers served as a significant upgrade to San Diego’s ailing secondary in his first season with the Chargers. The Virginia Tech product added toughness, versatility and playmaking ability to the back end of San Diego’s defense. Flowers, 29, finished with 52 combined tackles, led the team with three interceptions and also totaled 11 pass breakups. San Diego allowed 259 passing yards per game the previous season (29th in the NFL), but that number dipped to 214 this past season (fourth in the NFL). Flowers deserves a fair share of the credit for that.
Argument for keeping Flowers: He can play both in the slot and on the perimeter. And with Jason Verrett returning from a shoulder injury and Shareece Wright set to hit free agency, the Chargers need Flowers’ experience and playmaking ability for an otherwise inexperienced group.
Argument for letting Flowers go: He’s getting long in the tooth, and the Chargers have enough salary cap space to pursue a younger option in free agency like Byron Maxwell of the Seattle Seahawks. Younger players currently on the roster like Chris Davis, Steve Williams and Greg Ducre also could help fill the void.
What should happen with Flowers: The Chargers want Flowers back at the right price and will work to get something done before free agency begins March 10. Not only did Flowers perform well, he provided leadership and a junkyard mentality to a young cornerback position group.