Following their preseason loss to the New York Giants, the New England Patriots quickly waived 14 players from their roster ahead of Tuesday's 53-man roster cut deadline. Some of the notable names released were Jaheim Bell, Tyrese Robinson, and Ben Wooldridge.
Surprisingly, Phil Lutz was the only wide receiver the team cut, with the Patriots’ receiver room remaining crowded. The Patriots currently have about a dozen receivers and will likely retain six heading into the season, which means they must make some difficult decisions.
With Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams, and DeMario Douglas the locks to make the team, that leaves Kendrick Bourne’s future in question.
Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne Will Be Hot Ticket if Cut
Bourne has consistently been a solid contributor. During his eight-year career, he recorded 292 receptions, 3,714 yards, and 22 touchdowns in 111 games split between the Patriots and San Francisco 49ers.
Although he’s never had number-one wide receiver numbers, he’s remained a reliable option and a team-first player who always brings good vibes. Bourne’s best season came in 2021, recording career-highs in receptions (55), yards (800), and touchdowns (5) in his first season in New England.
He was on pace to top these numbers in 2023, but he suffered a torn ACL midway through the season. Coming back from the injury, Bourne recorded his lowest totals since his rookie year, posting 28 receptions and 305 yards in 12 games.
#Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne on returning from his ACL tear:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) August 11, 2025
“Where I’m at now is just better… it does take 2 years, bro. It’s tough… You do all that gassin’ up, that self-delusion… but when you get back out there and you around them people, [it’s different].”
(🎥 DNA Show) pic.twitter.com/mdMwTnkWxJ
Since the Patriots bolstered their receiving core this season, Bourne could end up being the odd man out. If Kendrick Bourne were to be cut, he would instantly garner interest from multiple teams.
One of those interested teams would be the 49ers, who gave Bourne his first NFL contract when they signed him as an undrafted rookie in 2017. In Bourne’s four years with the 49ers, he posted 218 receptions, 1,769 yards, and 11 touchdowns.
The 49ers are currently thin at receiver, with the position suffering numerous injuries. He was almost traded back there last season, as the Patriots reportedly offered him in a package for Brandon Aiyuk.
With his former coach, Kyle Shanahan, looking for reinforcements, this would be the perfect situation for Bourne if he were cut. Even though he turned 30, the veteran Patriots wideout should still be a fine option since he's put his ACL recovery behind him.