Cincinnati traded linebacker Marquis Flowers to New England…
Cincinnati traded linebacker Marquis Flowers to New England at the end of the 2017 preseason for a 2018 seventh-round pick. Flowers immediately became a useful Patriots reserve, playing all 16 games and recording 3.5 sacks before contributing during the team's run to Super Bowl LII. Cincinnati used pick No. 249 on quarterback Logan Woodside, but he never appeared in a regular-season game for the Bengals.
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- pick 2018 7th round pick (249th overall, Logan Woodside)
New England Patriots Received
- player Marquis Flowers
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Cincinnati sent linebacker Marquis Flowers to New England on August 29, 2017, receiving a 2018 seventh-round selection that became pick No. 249. The Bengals later used that choice on Toledo quarterback Logan Woodside. New England added Flowers during final roster construction, seeking linebacker depth after several offseason changes to the position group.
Why New England Won the Exchange
Flowers produced immediately for the Patriots. He appeared in all 16 regular-season games in 2017, worked on defense and special teams, and recorded 3.5 sacks. He also appeared in New England's postseason run to Super Bowl LII. That is a strong return for a seventh-round pick, especially because the trade addressed a live roster need rather than a future possibility. The Patriots did not need Flowers to become a long-term starter for the move to pay off. His one-season contribution was enough to justify such a small acquisition cost.
How Cincinnati's Pick Aged
The Bengals used No. 249 on Woodside, but he did not become part of Cincinnati's regular-season quarterback room. His eventual NFL appearances came later with Tennessee and Atlanta, so those snaps do not add value to the Bengals' side of this transaction. Cincinnati at least converted a fringe roster player into a draft choice, which was sensible process, but the selected player did not generate team-specific production.
Final Verdict
New England earns a B+ and Cincinnati a D. The Patriots received immediate defensive production and postseason availability for minimal cost, while the Bengals' pick produced no regular-season value for them. New England Patriots Win.