Marquis

Flowers

Flowers recorded 32 tackles and 3.5 sacks on 283 defensive snaps for the Patriots last season. He primarily played special teams but was called upon to make two starts late in the year. He joins ex-Patriots LeGarrette Blount, Tavon Wilson, Matt Cassel, Ricky Jean-Francois, and Trevor Bates among those who formerly played with coach Matt Patricia.

The pick is likely conditional. A sixth-round pick in 2014, Flowers has mostly contributed on special teams so far in his career.

The Arizona product can play the run some and is a sure tackler but will have to earn his keep on special teams in the pros.

Flowers led Rich Rodriguez’s defense with 86 tackles in 2013, earning All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention honors. A four-year contributor, Flowers racked up tackles against the run, but offers nothing as a pass rusher. He’ll try to crack the Bengals’ 53-man roster as a special teamer and weak-side reserve.

A 2014 undrafted free agent, Flowers ended up appearing in all 16 games as a rookie, making one start. He’ll be back to compete for one of the Bengals’ final roster spots in 2016.

The deal is worth “up to” $2.55 million. Acquired from the Bengals last August, Flowers started two games for the Patriots late in the season, but he was primarily a special teamer.

Flowers registered 32 tackles and 3.5 sacks over 283 defensive snaps for New England last season. He’ll look to resurface as a backup/core special teamer.

Burfict has been dealing with concussion issues throughout much of this season. It’s unclear if this is related. Marquis Flowers has come on.