Cincinnati Bengals lose RB Rex Burkhead to New England Patriots

March 14 (UPI) -- Free agent Rex Burkhead won't be returning to Cincinnati, after agreeing to a deal Tuesday with the New England Patriots.

The running back joins a crowded backfield, although the Patriots have yet to re-sign free agent workhorse LeGarrette Blount. Burkhead, 26, had a career-best 344 rushing yards and two scores on the ground in 2016. He also had 145 receiving yards. He earned his first career start in Week 17, rushing for 119 yards on 27 carries.

Before last season, Burkhead had just 31 rushing yards and a touchdown on 13 carries in three seasons. Burkhead also visited the Atlanta Falcons.

He was a sixth round pick in 2013 by the Bengals and also contributed on special teams and as a slot receiver.