Report: Patriots Keep Kendrick Bourne From Free Agency

The best way for an NFL team to avoid losing players in free agency is to avoid having them test the open market. The New England Patriots have done just that with wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. Reports indicate Bourne will return to New England on a three-year deal, a $19.5 million deal. The contract could be worth up to $33 million and includes a $4.2 million signing bonus.

Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald was the first with the news.

2023 Ended Early

Kendrick Bourne was the Patriots leading receiver when his 2023 season ended in Week 8. Bourne tore his right ACL, requiring surgery. At the time, his anticipated recovery was estimated to be 6-to-8 months, which would have him ready to go by the end of June. Bourne recently stated he will be ready for Week 1.

The timing of the injury was particularly poor for both Kendrick Bourne and the Patriots. He was on pace for 79 receptions, 863 yards, and nine touchdowns when it happened. All of those numbers would have been career highs. As Bourne was set to hit free agency following the season, the injury likely cost him a more lucrative deal as well.

Positive Environment

Bourne made several references following the season about wanting to remain with the franchise with whom he spent the past three seasons.

When asked by Tom E. Curran if he had unfinished business in Foxboro, Kendrick Bourne didn’t hesitate, replaying “absolutely.”

Bourne went on to talk about how New England has been a good fit for him.

“It’s an environment that works for me, that helps me become a better person, better player. So I would love to keep that going. I felt like I was becoming the best player that I’ve ever been in my career (before the injury).”

The wide receiver even chimed in on his preference for how New England uses the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

“I like Jayden Daniels,” Bourne told Curran. “I’m a Jayden Daniels fan. Heisman Trophy winner, obviously. I love how he plays, being able to be versatile. I think that would be a strong suit for us.”

Referring to the New England Patriots as “us” certainly felt like an indication Bourne wants to remain in Foxboro.

New England’s Wide Receiver Room

Kendrick Bourne’s return gives the New England Patriots eight wide receivers signed for 2024. DeMario Douglas, DeVante Parker, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte, T.J. Luther, and Kawaan Baker join him. Of that group, only Douglas and Bourne seem certain to be on the 2024 roster.