Detroit Lions signing another former Patriot in Marquis Flowers
The Detroit Lions are not done shaping their roster as they’ll sign themselves another former Patriot. This time it’s the recently released Marquis Flowers.
Following what was a disappointing performance in the preseason, the Detroit Lions are in need of players who can come in and help their defense. It would also be a plus if they have experience with new head coach Matt Patricia’s multiple scheme and could help out on special teams too. Well, it appears the Lions have landed such a player.
According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport, the Lions are signing former New England Patriots linebacker Marquis Flowers. A former sixth-round selection out of Arizona back in 2014, Flowers spent his first three NFL seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Flowers was traded to the New England Patriots last year, playing in 16 games for the Pats and starting in two regular-season contests. His best game for New England came in Week 16 as he recorded 10 total tackles and 2.5 sacks in a 37-16 win over the Buffalo Bills.
The 28-year old linebacker inked a one-year deal worth up to $2.55 million to remain in New England back in March. And despite posting a six-tackle, one pass defend performance in the Patriots’ final preseason contest against the New York Giants, the vested veteran was released to free agency over the weekend.
The 6-foot-3, 245-pound linebacker will instantly become a core special teams ace for the Lions. Flowers’ blazing speed at the position should also help the defense as both a potential pass rusher and in coverage situations. But initially, his most valuable trait is likely the fact he knows Matt Patricia’s scheme, having played in it all last season. So he’ll be able to integrate quickly while also helping those defenders around him shorten their learning curves.
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The signing of Marquis Flowers in Detroit seems to be a win-win for both the player and the organization. Head coach Matt Patricia gets a defender he trusts while Flowers reunites with someone who believes in him and his talents.