Bills' top LB Preston Brown on free agency: 'I can help' Patriots get better

Preston Brown wouldn't mind taking his league-leading 144 tackles to New England in 2018.

The Buffalo Bills linebacker hinted that he could be interested in signing with the Patriots as he hits free agency, according to the Boston Globe's Jeff Howe.

"I think I can definitely help the young guys they have there (in New England) now," Brown said. "They definitely have some things they can work on like we all do, but I think I can help that defense get better."

It's difficult not to see why. Brown has watched a number of former Bills teammates leave Buffalo in free agency and elevate their game in New England. The list includes Chris Hogan, Mike Gillislee, Alan Branch, and Stephon Gilmore.

"It’s a little weird," Brown said of his ex-teammates thriving for their AFC East rivals. "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. They definitely seem to get the best out of the Buffalo Bills."

The former third-round pick clearly respects the Patriots, who have won 31 of their last 35 meetings against Buffalo. It seems he can't help but think about the possibility of joining the five-time Super Bowl Champions.

"I just think the whole organization in New England does a great job of knowing what those players' skills are and then utilizing them in that way," said Brown. "Anytime you can play for one of the best franchises in NFL history, it's obviously going to be an option."

New England has a clear need at the linebacker position, and Howe reports the team's interest could be mutual.

Only time will tell if Brown is the next Bill to join the rival Patriots, but he's sure to lose a few fans in Buffalo after his comments.