Flowers planting seeds that may sprout departure

No player needing to impress his new head coach, knowing he has to battle to keep his place in the starting lineup, would fail to show up for a minicamp, even if that camp is voluntary. So, it must be deduced that Ereck Flowers staying away from the Giants this spring, and especially this week, is an attempt by him to force his way out.

The Giants realize this and are listening to trade talks with any team that might be interested in acquiring a huge offensive tackle, who has fallen far short of his lofty draft status. NFL Network reported the Giants have had trade discussions involving Flowers. The Post has learned teams have called about Flowers and the Giants have listened.

The Giants, for now, are not actively trying to deal Flowers, but given his no- show status, they are interested in hearing what he might be worth. Can they get a fifth- or sixth-round pick in this week’s draft for him? Or, could they package Flowers and their own fifth-round pick and get back a fourth-round pick?

Flowers, who is not participating in the Giants’ offseason workout program, was not in attendance Tuesday on Day 1 of this extra minicamp, which is allowed because the Giants have a new head coach.

“He ’ s not here, so there’s not really much to say,’’ coach Pat Shurmur said. “That’s my feelings.

“He’s not h e re . We understand that this is a program that is voluntary. I tend to believe it is very necessary, but he’s not here. So, when he is here, we will start to talk about him.’’

Th e next t i me the Giants talk about Flowers it might be to announce he has been traded — if they can find a taker. Flowers turns 24 on Wednesday and has 46 NFL starts under his belt, but he has been a major disappointment since arriving as the No. 9-overall pick in the 2015 draft. Not long after Nate Solder was signed in free agency, Shurmur called Flowers to inform him he was no longer the starting left tackle. Flowers would be moving to the right side of the offensive line, where he would compete for the starting right tackle spot.

Since that conversation, F l owers ’ actions indicate he does not buy into the plan. Messages left with Flowers’ agent (and father), Everald Flowers, were not returned.

If nothing transpires, perhaps the Giants stick with Flowers and wait to see if he shows up for the mandatory minicamp June 12-14. The longer he stays away, the more he loses touch with the team and the new regime.