Free agent wide receiver Kendrick Bourne was one of the few bright spots on the New England Patriots offense last year. The former undrafted free agent was in the midst of a career year, looking as explosive as ever while recording 37 receptions for 406 yards and four touchdowns through the first eight games of the season. Unfortunately, the playmaking pass-catcher suffered a season-ending ACL injury against the Miami Dolphins, prematurely ending his season.
Now set to hit the open market, Kendrick Bourne joins a free agent class headlined by names like Calvin Ridley, Marquise Brown, and Darnell Mooney. If he were completely healthy, Bourne would probably be in the second tier of available free agents, but there are understandable questions surrounding his current health. Recently, the wide receiver gave an update on both his knee and where he’d like to play in 2024.
Kendrick Bourne Gives Injury Update, Preferred Free Agent Landing Spot
When asked if he wants to come back to New England, free agent Kendrick Bourne made it clear that he’d love to spend a fourth season with the Patriots.
“I do, I do. It’s something that has helped me in my career, especially in my life as a man. Belichick, obviously you bring him up, he’s somebody that helped me, obviously you know it’s a new coach and a new situation, but the building itself, the organization itself, what they stand for has helped me grow. So, it’s some place that they hold a special place in my heart, so I would love to go back.”
This shouldn’t be too much of a surprise, as two of Bourne’s three best seasons came with New England. While Belichick is gone, just about every player on the Patriots seems to believe that Jerod Mayo is more than capable of filling his shoes. Nobody should expect six more Super Bowls out of the former linebacker, but it’s clear his players believe in him.
Of course, the Patriots will only re-sign Kendrick Bourne if they believe the free agent will be ready to go in 2024. The wide receiver tore his ACL in Week 8. but it sounds like he’ll be ready to go for the start of the season.
“My plan is to play Game 1 and I believe I’m going to be ready. Where I’m at right now, on track, ahead of schedule and I feel good. So, building that confidence, building my strength in my legs so that I can be ready to go Game 1”
Kendrick Bourne sounds like he’ll be back to his old self in no time, and the Patriots will probably want to bring him back as a free agent. However, the Patriots won’t be the only team interested in his services. While Bourne is no All-Pro, he is a solid starter, and there are not enough good wide receivers to go around.
Possible Team Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
The 2022 and 2023 seasons proved that the Kansas City Chiefs do not need a superstar wide receiver to win a Super Bowl. However, they do need somebody capable of catching the ball when Travis Kelce starts to slow down. The Chiefs appear to have hit a home run with Rashee Rice, but this team needs another reliable set of hands. Kendrick Bourne is more than capable of being that guy, as the free agent has the shifty playstyle that meshes well with Andy Reid’s YAC-heavy offense.
Carolina Panthers
Kendrick Bourne should not be the only free agent wide receiver the Carolina Panthers go after. This team needs a lot of help, and Bourne won’t be able to singlehandedly fix every problem on this team. However, pairing him with someone like Calvin Ridley could create an adequate depth chart. Bryce Young may or may not be a true franchise quarterback, but he’ll never succeed unless the team adds a sizable amount of talent.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have a superstar in CeeDee Lamb and not much else. With Brandin Cooks and Michael Gallup both past their prime, this team needs another reliable receiver if they want to make a deep playoff run. With limited cap space, Kendrick Bourne might be the most cost-effective free agent signing they can get. With Bourne working the intermediate part of the field, the Cowboys offense should remain one of the best in the league.
Baltimore Ravens
Odell Beckham probably won’t be back in 2024, which means this team will need another wide receiver. With Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers receiving the majority of the targets, the team could use a free agent like Kendrick Bourne who can make the most out of a few looks every game.
New Orleans Saints
With Michael Thomas almost certainly leaving, the Saints need someone to complement Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Lacking the cap space to go after a big-name free agent, New Orleans could target Kendrick Bourne. Bourne’s elusive ability after the catch makes him an ideal complement to the do-everything Olave and Shaheed’s deep speed. This trio should be able to get the most out of Derek Carr and could win the wide-open NFC South.
Main Photo: Bob DeChiara – USA Today Sports
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