Like most teams around the NFL, the New England Patriots have a lot of new faces on their roster now that Week 4 of free agency is underway. Patriots EVP of player personnel Eliot Wolf has done a solid job at addressing both sides of the ball, which includes signing wideouts Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins to help take quarterback Drake Maye's game to the next level.
Although the pass-catching reinforcements were needed, Diggs and Hollins' presence could be bad news for certain Patriots receivers — including one who'll likely be fighting for his job following the duo's signing.
Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne's Job in Jeopardy After Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins Signings
It wouldn't be surprising if Diggs and Hollins' arrival in New England spelled bad news for veteran WR Kendrick Bourne. Even though the 29-year-old playmaker still has two years and $13 million in cash remaining on his contract, the Patriots could look for a divorce as early as this offseason for a few reasons.
After beginning his NFL journey as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers, Bourne signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the Patriots ahead of the 2021 season. The change in scenery was worth it as the former Eastern Washington wideout finished the year with career highs in receptions (55), receiving yards (800), and touchdowns (5).
Unfortunately, similar success avoided Bourne in 2022 as he finished with a disappointing 35-434-1 stat line in 16 appearances. He was on track to rebound from that effort with 406 yards and four TDs in his first eight outings in 2023. However, his bounce-back effort was cut short when he tore his ACL against the Miami Dolphins in Week 8.
Despite the season-ending injury, the Patriots didn't hesitate to ink Bourne to a three-year, $19.5 million extension during the 2024 offseason. The contract didn't age well in Year 1, though, as the Portland, OR native finished last season with only 305 yards and one score on 28 catches in 12 outings, ending as the 92nd-ranked WR on Pro Football Focus (62.1).
Based on how the last few seasons have gone, it's hard to imagine Bourne living up to next year's $7.7 million cap hit. His performances are trending in the wrong direction, and his presence is no longer needed as it once was now that Diggs and Hollins — who both outperformed him last season — are with the Patriots.
Throw in the fact that the likes of Demario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, and Kayshon Boutte are all younger than him, and the odds of Bourne losing his spot in the lineup are higher than ever.
For reference, Spotrac indicates that the Patriots can save $4.9 million in cap space by trading/waiving Bourne before June 1. If they're patient, though, those savings will increase to $6.3 million with a move after that date.
Unless he hits training camp looking like his 2021 form, it's hard to imagine Bourne being a lock for the 2025 roster. Failure to turn things around could see his Patriots tenure end sooner rather than later.