NFL Notebook: Trey Flowers, Shaq Mason both playing it cool as they head into contract years

FOXBOROUGH — In this week’s edition of the NFL Notebook, we take a look at the financial ramifications of a possible change at punter, Bill Belichick’s memories of the late Tony Sparano, and some of our favorite Patriots-related stats from the new edition of the annual Football Outsiders Almanac. But first, we talk to Trey Flowers and Shaq Mason about their contract status as they head into the final year of their respective deals.



1. Two guys who drew plenty of attention this offseason were defensive lineman Trey Flowers and right guard Shaq Mason. Two of the more talented young players on the roster who are still on their rookie deals, the duo are both heading into the final year of their contracts, and are at positions that have seen a salary explosion over the last few seasons, one that's included contracts for the likes of guard Andrew Norwell (five years, $66.5 million) and defensive end Danielle Hunter (five years, $72 million) over the last 12 months. Both Flowers and Mason expressed an interest in wanting to stay in New England. At the same time, both are remaining low-key when it comes to any contract talk at this point.

“That’s in the back of my mind. Right now, I’m just worried about getting better, working hard with my teammates,” Flowers said when asked about a new deal. “That will take care of itself when it takes care of itself. I have to take care of business here as far as putting myself in the best position so the team can win, so I can do more for the team. When that time comes, that time will come.”

“I don’t worry about it at all,” Mason said. “I just come out here, work, in training camp. That’s my focus right now. Training camp, getting ready. Getting going, and just meshing with everybody on the team and performing.

“I'll let the work speak for itself. I’m not worried about outside noise or any of that. I’m just out here grinding with my guys every day.”