5 Pending Free Agents Patriots Must Re-Sign This Offseason
![Ezekiel Elliott is one of five Patriots free agents who should be re-signed this offseason. Ezekiel Elliott is one of five Patriots free agents who should be re-signed this offseason.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_6480,h_3645,x_0,y_297/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/253/01hndx319a304xvjy494.jpg)
5. Kendrick Bourne, WR
Seventh-year wideout Kendrick Bourne was on pace for one of his best performances in 2023 before tearing his ACL in October. The former Eastern Washington playmaker had amassed 37 receptions, 406 yards, and four TDs through eight games, putting him on pace for a career-best 79-864-9 stat line in 17 contests.
Considering how putrid the Patriots' passing game was last season, re-signing Bourne is a no-brainer. For reference, the 28-year-old finished third in receptions and second in receiving TDs among New England players despite last taking to the field in Week 8.
With Bourne coming off a major injury, the Patriots can likely re-sign him to a cheap "prove yourself" deal if other teams aren't willing to take the risk. Spotrac projects his making $4.8 million annually on his next deal, which would be cheaper than the $5.1 million he made last season.
Even if the Patriots plan on using one of their Day 1/2 draft picks to select a wide receiver, there's no harm in having another capable playmaker like Bourne in the mix.
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