The Kansas City Chiefs released cornerback Brandon Flowers on Friday, following three weeks of voluntary workouts in which the former starter was conspicuously absent.
Flowers was due to make $5.25 million this season, and he carried a salary cap number of $10.5 million that made him difficult to keep.
[RELATED: Brandon Flowers career stats | 2013-14 game logs]
"We appreciate Brandon's contributions to the team over the last six seasons," general manager John Dorsey said in a statement released by the team. "It's in the best interest of the club and the player to part ways at this time. We wish him nothing but the best as he continues his career."
Flowers was the Chiefs' second-round pick in 2008, and he proved to be a dependable starter for them. He started 87 of the 88 games he played over six seasons, making 421 tackles, two sacks and 17 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
His production is a big reason why he was signed to a six-year, $50 million deal in 2011.
The Falcons have been monitoring the situation, and may throw their hat in the ring for Flowers' services, according to an NFL Network report.
AP contributed to this story.