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3 Most Likely Kendrick Bourne Destinations in Free Agency

As New England Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne prepares to hit free agency on March 13, here's a look at three of his most likely destinations this NFL offseason.

By Devon Platana

Where will veteran WR Kendrick Bourne sign this offseason?
Where will veteran WR Kendrick Bourne sign this offseason? / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
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The New England Patriots have 22 unrestricted free agents hitting the open market on March 13, including veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.

Bourne, 28, has been consistent for the Patriots ever since signing a three-year, $15 million contract in 2021. He was actually on pace for a career year in 2023, racking up 406 yards and four touchdowns on 37 receptions before a torn ACL prematurely ended his campaign at just eight games. At the end of the day, he finishes his current deal with 127 receptions for 1,640 yards and 10 TDs across 41 outings.

Where will Bourne continue his NFL career? Let's look at his three most likely free-agent destinations this spring.

1. New England Patriots

The Patriots made a huge mistake last offseason when they opted to sign WR JuJu Smith-Schuster over re-signing Jakobi Meyers. After all, Meyers went on to rack up 71 receptions for 807 yards and eight TDs with the Las Vegas Raiders whereas Smith-Schuster let the fanbase down with a career-worst 29-260-1 stat line.

In other words, it'd be wise if New England didn't let another talented wideout walk. The Patriots' WR depth is less than ideal at the moment. While Demario Douglas appears to have a bright future, Smith-Schuster looks washed, Tyquan Thornton is a bust, DeVante Parker continues to decline, and Kayshon Boutte is marred by legal troubles.

If the Patriots want to give their next quarterback all the tools to succeed, re-signing Bourne is a no-brainer. Although we've yet to see how he plays following his ACL tear, it's worth noting that the ex-Eastern Washington product was on pace for 79 receptions, 864 yards, and about nine TDs had his season not come to an early end.

Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan reports that the Patriots offered Bourne a contract extension at the NFL Combine, so it's clear that the organization is interested in retaining his services. Assuming that his injury lowers his value on the open market, it might be in the veteran playmakers best interest to remain in Foxboro.

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