The Patriots have a lot on their plate in the 2018 offseason on the roster alone. That includes improving their pass rush. But it appears that they also want to shore up their best pass-rusher, Trey Flowers, for the foreseeable future.

Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reported on Thursday that the Patriots and Flowers are expected to begin discussing a new contract later in the offseason. The detail came as part of a comprehensive look at the Patriots' roster and what to expect moving forward.

Flowers, a fourth-round pick out of Arkansas in 2015, is only signed through the 2018 season. He's due about $2.04 million in salary and bonuses, according to Spotrac.

He's also emerged as the Patriots' most productive pass-rusher, generating 59.5 total "disruptions" (7.5 sacks, 28 QB hits, 24 pressures) in 17 games, according to Howe. That's 25.5 more than any other player on the roster. He's also produced in the clutch, coming up with a key second-down sack late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LI to help the Patriots complete their comeback against the Atlanta Falcons.

Howe also counted Flowers for a QB hit, two pressures, and a run-stuff in Super Bowl LII against the Eagles.

While Flowers hasn't produced to the level of one of the top defensive ends in the NFL, he's certainly due a sizable bump in terms of money. Considering the Patriots' lack of high-end talent in the front-seven, he's worth making happy and keeping around with a healthy raise. The hope is that Flowers continues to play at a high level while youngsters like Deatrich Wise and Derek Rivers emerge as consistent, reliable pass-rush options as soon as next season.

In addition to Flowers, the Patriots will also have a decision to make on defensive tackle Malcom Brown, who is also entering the final year of his rookie contract. Brown, a former first-round pick, could have his fifth-year option picked up for about $7 million, according to Howe. Brown played well down he stretch for the Patriots as a run-stuffing interior lineman.

Flowers and Brown are just two of many players who the Patriots will need to decide on over the next year. But considering the urgency of improving the defense, they are two important pieces to think about.

-- By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com

Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].