Patriots trade for linebacker Marquis Flowers
Marquis Flowers left the Patriots equipment room with a bundle of new gear Tuesday.
While most of his teammates sat at their stalls and dressed for practice, Flowers was catching up. He slid leg pads into crisp new practice pants and adjusted his helmet. He took cues from team officials regarding the location of all the places he’d need to be in his new surroundings.
Flowers, a 25-year-old linebacker, was acquired from the Bengals for a seventh-round pick. He said he arrived to the area at 1 a.m. and later made his way to the practice facility, where he passed his physical.
Linebacker Christian Kuntz, signed Monday, was released to make room for Flowers. The trade came four days before the finalization of the 53-man roster.
Flowers, who missed all of the 2015 season with a shoulder injury, played all 16 games for the Bengals in 2014 and 2016. Last year, Flowers played 308 special teams snaps, most of any linebacker on the team.
Running back D.J. Foster, who played high school football in Scottsdale, Ariz., is familiar with Flowers, who played wide receiver, running back, and free safety at Millennium High School in Goodyear, Ariz.
“He’s athletic,’’ Foster said. “I’m sure he’s ready to get going and showcase his athleticism and learn fast.’’
“It’s tough, it’s like switching jobs, but he’s a professional and will soak up as much as he can.’’
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