3 Patriots Who Are Off Limits at the Trade Deadline
By Tyler Maher
![These Patriots players shouldn't be for sale at the trade deadline. These Patriots players shouldn't be for sale at the trade deadline.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3129,h_1760,x_0,y_404/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/253/01hdhk88psjjq5hd7c1t.jpg)
3. Kendrick Bourne
Bourne has been the subject of a lot of trade rumors this season, but he should stay in New England. After all, he's one of the few Patriots receivers who's actually producing this year (along with Douglas, of course).
DeVante Parker and JuJu Smith-Schuster have been massive busts, and New England sure misses Jakobi Meyers. It could have used DeAndre Hopkins, too, but decided not to pay him.
Fortunately, Bourne has stepped up after an extremely disappointing 2022 campaign. He knew he needed to work harder after managing just 434 receiving yards last year, and the extra effort has paid off.
The seventh-year pro has emerged as Mac Jones favorite weapon this season, leading the Patriots in targets (51), catches (34), receiving yards (370) and receiving touchdowns (3). Bourne is the only wide receiver with a touchdown catch so far and has nearly twice as many receiving yard as anyone else on the team.
That's a guy you keep, not trade away. He's been Jones' security blanket all season, and taking him away would have a negative effect on Jones' performance.
Bourne is probably New England's most valuable trade chip, but Belichick should resist the temptation to move him and instead keep him exactly where he belongs.
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