New England Patriots rumors: Preston Brown is exactly what team needs

Impending free agent linebacker Preston Brown is lobbying to become the next former Buffalo Bills player to migrate to the New England Patriots.

Rivals on the football field, it seems as though Buffalo Bills players have a lot of admiration for the New England Patriots organization.

With Chris Hogan, Stephon Gilmore and Mike Gillislee signing with the Patriots the last two offseasons, the Bills leading tackler in 2017 has a high interest in making the transition as well.

Speaking to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, linebacker Preston Brown shared his thoughts on some of his former teammate going to New England and other playoff teams around the league.

"“It’s a little weird,” Brown said when asked about former teammates joining the Patriots.  “I’m not going to sit here and lie like, ‘Oh well.’  You’re happy for them, but you’re also like, ‘All right, every time somebody goes to the Patriots, they’re going to the Pro Bowl or the Super Bowl.’  It’s something you feel.  A lot of guys left the last year, and it seemed like everybody who left us was going to the playoffs.”"

The Bills made the playoff as well, which is why Brown does want to say.  But, he can’t help but acknowledge how well he would fit in a place like New England.  With his 144 tackles last season and his youth, the middle linebacker would certainly be an upgrade from what the team currently has at the position.

Add to that his locker room leadership and the Patriots should definitely show interest in a player like Brown.  An instant upgrade, definitely.

Affordable?  That remains to be seen, but Preston Brown knows he can help Bill Belichick’s defense improve from last season, especially at the linebacker position.

An instant upgrade

More from New England Patriots

• Former Patriot Stevan Ridley Put Kevin Hart in a Wheelchair
• 3 Patriots Who Can Clinch a Roster Spot in Final Preseason Game
• Patriots Get Win Over Division Rivals Before Season Even Begins
• New Massachusetts Sportsbook Promos: $450 Bonus to Bet on Your Patriots at Caesars + DraftKings
• Ezekiel Elliott Reveals 3 Reasons Why He Signed With Patriots

"“I think I can definitely help the young guys they have,” Brown said.  “They’ve got some good young talent at linebacker.  They run pretty well.  I know (David) Harris retired.  A lot of young guys were playing well, (Kyle) Van Noy and (Elandon Roberts) played well.  They definitely have some things they can work on like we all do, but I think I can help the defense get better.”"

Sounds like Brown has done his homework, but perhaps he was being a bit kind.  Due to the injury to Dont’a Hightower, the linebacker group was the weakest unit of the Patriots’ defense as shown throughout the season and in Super Bowl LII. With that being said, the team will more than likely look to improve through this upcoming draft and in free agency.

Will Preston Brown be affordable?

If his asking price is over $5 million a year, the answer may be no.  However, if Belichick and the New England Patriots see him as a fit, they may extend a little bit for him.

Next: Muhammad Wilkerson would shine in New England

Add Brown to a group led by Hightower and Kyle Van Noy and suddenly the second level of defense is more respectable.  If anything, maybe Stephon Gilmore will convince both side that the fit is perfect and worth the money.