Patriots Sign Former 3rd-Round Draft Pick to Futures Contract

FOXBORO -- The New England Patriots are signing hybrid running back/wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. to a futures contract, as confirmed by the team on Monday. 

During his time at the University of Kentucky, Bowden played a number of positions, including quarterback, running back, wide receiver and a return man on special teams. For his efforts, Bowden won the 2019 Paul Hornung Award, which is given to the most versatile player in college football.

The 24-year-old was a third-round draft selection by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020. In September, however, Bowden was traded along with a 2021 sixth round pick to the Miami Dolphins for the Raiders' original fourth-round pick that was previously traded to Miami for linebacker, and current Patriots teammate, Raekwon McMillan.

In his first season with the Dolphins, Bowden appeared in 10 games, while aligning in multiple roles. serving a multitude of roles. Though he was initially listed as a wide receiver, he took snaps at running back, as well as at quarterback. He finished his rookie season having gained 243 yards on 37 carries, as well as one 32-yard completion on two pass attempts.

Bowden’s most notable contributions came in consecutive, late-season games as a receiver. In the Dolphins Week 13 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, he caught four passes for 41 yards. He followed up with a strong performance against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14, catching seven passes for 82 yards. In total, he has compiled 211 receiving yards on 28 catches.

After spending his 2021 season on Miami’s injured reserve list, Bowden was released by the team in late August 2022. He subsequently signed with the Patriots in early September. 

Bowden spent the majority of the season on the scout team. However, he was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for New England's Week 9 win over the Indianapolis, playing 14 offensive snaps at wide receiver.

At 5-11, 195-pounds, Bowden has the potential to provide the Pats with the type of ‘utility player’ which has customarily thrived in their system. He possesses the size necessary to compete at the receiver position, while being lean enough to demonstrate effectiveness as a runner. New England, who has long-valued versatility in their depth players, is likely to utilize his skills both on offense and special teams. 

The Patriots have also signed several other members of the practice squad to futures contracts over the last two weeks, including offensive lineman Bill Murray, linebacker Terez Hall, defensive back Brad Hawkins, offensive lineman Hayden Howerton, cornerback Quandre Mosely, linebacker Calvin Munson, wide receiver Tre Nixon, running back J.J. Taylor, tight ends Matt Sokol and Scotty Washington and defensive linemen Jeremiah Pharms Jr. and LaBryan Ray.

The team also inked two newcomers, ex-CFL cornerback Rodney Randle Jr. and former Rutgers linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi, bringing the total to 15 heading into the upcoming season.