5 Patriots Leaving New England in the New Year

3. Kendrick Bourne, WR

Unlike Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne was a bright spot in the Patriots' offense to begin the 2023 campaign. 

The ex-Eastern Washington product was solid through the team's first eight games, hauling in 37 catches (2 more than last season despite playing 8 fewer games) for 406 yards and four touchdowns. Not only was he one TD away from his previous best, but the 50.8 receiving yards he averaged per contest put him on pace for his second-ever 800-yard campaign. 

Unfortunately, disaster struck when Bourne's season came to an end when he tore his ACL against the Miami Dolphins in Week 8. It's safe to say that New England's passing game hasn't been as effective since he began his injured reserve stint. 

Bourne is now slated to become a free agent once the offseason rolls around. While it's possible that he could re-sign with the Patriots, he just saw how leaving the franchise benefitted former teammate and fellow WR Jakobi Meyers last offseason. 

Besides, Bourne has only experienced one playoff game since joining the Pats in 2021, so chances are he'd rather join a playoff contender than be stuck in a rebuild. If that's the case, I can't say that I blame him, nor would most New England fans.