The enthusiasm of the Miami Dolphins in signing offensive tackle Ereck Flowers is matched by the Miami native’s eagerness to return to his hometown.
Flowers, who turns 26 later this month, signed a three-year, $30 million deal last week, after playing last season with the Washington Redskins.
While he leaves with good memories from his brief time with the Redskins, he can’t wait to put on his Dolphins uniform.
“I loved Washington,” Flowers said. “I loved being there. I loved my teammates. Their family bonded with my family, and I still talk to them to this day; but it was like playing for Miami was a chance for me to come home.
“It’s where I’m from, where I grew up and where I’ve been my whole life, and (to do it) at the pro level. For me, it was really kind of a tough choice; but I feel like it was the right choice as far as it’s what I’ve always dreamed of being able to do and where I always wanted to play. I’m just happy I get a chance to go out there and experience it.”
Growing up watching the Dolphins, Flowers then stayed at home by playing collegiately for the University of Miami.
Flowers then started his professional career with the New York Giants as the ninth overall pick of the 2015 NFL draft. During the 2018 season, he was released by the Giants and was then quickly picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
While Flowers has yet to reach the potential envisioned five years ago, the hope is that the veteran being back in his comfort zone will provide the necessary motivation.
Depending on who the Dolphins select in this month’s draft, Flowers’ importance could grow. That’s because a number of top quarterbacks may be available when the Dolphins choose with the fifth overall pick.
Keeping that potential prospect upright and opening up holes for the Dolphins’ runners serve as key reasons why this particular free agent signing could be an important building block for the team’s future.
