Patriots Lose Cordarrelle Patterson, Eric Rowe In Free Agency

Patriots return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson will leave New England after agreeing to a two-year deal with the Chicago Bears, according to reports.

Patterson's deal is worth $10 million with $5 million guaranteed, according to ESPN.

The 27-year-old Patterson returns to the NFC North, where he spent his first four seasons in the NFL as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.

Patterson, a two-time All-Pro selection, showed his versatility in New England last season. In addition to returning kicks (his 28.8 kick return average was third-best in the NFL), Patterson lined up in the backfield, in the slot and out wide.

In the passing game, he tallied 21 receptions for 247 yards and three touchdowns. In the running game, he rushed the ball 42 times for 228 yards and one touchdown.

Patterson is one of several players who will leave New England this offseason after playing a key role in the Patriots' 2018 championship drive. Left tackle Trent Brown on Monday agreed to a four-year, $66 million with the Oakland Raiders, while defensive end Trey Flowers intends to sign a five-year, $90 million contract with the Detroit Lions.

Another player moving on from the Patriots is cornerback Eric Rowe, who will sign a one-year, $3.5 million dollar contract with the Miami Dolphins, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday night.

Rowe won a starting cornerback job out of training camp last season, but the fifth-year pro missed time with a groin injury and was ultimately placed on injured reserve in late October.

He is the second Patriots player, along with Dwayne Allen, to join former New England defensive play-caller Brian Flores in Miami.