Kendrick Bourne, a wide receiver, is one of the more noteworthy names on the New England Patriots’ lengthy list of pending free agents. And, while his future is uncertain due to his contract status and recovery from a season-ending knee injury, the team has apparently spoken with him about it.
According to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, the “team has already been in contact with Kendrick Bourne.” The outcome of such conversations remains unknown.
Bourne, 28, first joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers in 2017. After four seasons in the NFC West, he joined the Patriots in the spring of 2021, signing a three-year, $15 million contract. He soon formed a relationship with then-rookie quarterback Mac Jones.
Bourne finished his debut year in New England as one of Jones’ favorite targets and among the Patriots’ most productive players. However, he was unable to build on his success in his second season and struggled to adjust to the new-look scheme under a new coaching staff.
Bourne was able to rebound in 2023, thanks to the addition of Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator. During the first eight games of the season, he caught 37 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns, which led the club.
His promising third season ended abruptly in late October against the Miami Dolphins, when he sustained a ruptured ACL late in the Patriots’ 31-17 loss and was done for the season. While he is anticipated to be cleared by training camp, his free agent status remains uncertain.
Bourne is one of 24 players on the New England Patriots’ 2023 roster that will become free agents.
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