NFL Notebook: Rodney Harrison talks Patriots’ moves, best course of action for Gronk, and much more

In this week’s edition of the NFL Notebook, we look at the surging career arc of Stephon Gilmore, try and put together an All-Star team with the free agents still on the market, and figure out what position Bill Belichick has historically prioritized with his high-value picks over the years. But first, we go one-on-one with former Patriot Rodney Harrison, who talks about New England’s offseason moves, how Belichick should handle Rob Gronkowski, and why sometimes being a part of the Patriots can be a blessing and a curse.

1. Rodney Harrison has never been shy about offering an opinion — it’s what made him a go-to interview in the Patriots’ locker room as a player, and a terrific analyst for NBC Sports. And in an interview with BostonSportsJournal.com this week, the former New England safety had a lot to say about some of the hot-button issues facing the Patriots this offseason.

First? He sounds like someone who has no issue with letting either Trent Brown or Trey Flowers walk in free agency.

“I thought Trent was a great example of coaching and how well a coach Dante (Scarnecchia) is. They got him for … what, a fifth rounder? And now he’s the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL?” asks Harrison. “I like him as a player, but I think the Raiders overpaid him. They had to let him walk in free agency for that price.”

“As for Trey, he’s a good player, but I had no problem with the fact they let him go,” he added. “They paid him like a first-team All-Pro. I can see Bill paying him, but not $17 million a year.”

When it comes to the addition of veteran defensive lineman Michael Bennett, there’s a school of thought that suggests the former Eagle and Seahawk can replicate the production the Patriots got from Flowers, at least in the short term. It’s a thought Harrison agrees with.

“Michael Bennett, I’m excited about that. He was one of my favorite players the last five, six, seven years. He’s truly a Patriot. He can do a multitude of things, he’s unselfish and a hard worker. Bill will love him, and he’ll do anything to win. I love that pickup.”

As for what’s next for veteran tight end Rob Gronkowski, he won’t go so far as to agree with the plan put forth by his former teammate Willie McGinest, who suggested Gronkowski will return midway through the 2019 season. But there should be a closer look at his snaps and his overall workload.