Patriots Extend Key Veteran on Eve of Free Agency
By Ryan Bunton
As the New England Patriots look to overhaul an offense that finished bottom in several key offensive categories in 2023, one familiar face will be returning. On Sunday night, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that pending free agent wide receiver Kendrick Bourne will be returning to the Patriots on a three-year contract worth up to $33 million. Bourne missed New England's final nine games last season after suffering a torn ACL in Week 8.
WR Kendrick Bourne is re-signing a three-year deal worth up to $33 million with the New England Patriots, per his agent @henryorgann at @disruptivesport. Bourne is coming off a torn ACL that he suffered last season. pic.twitter.com/4eq8JGxOAP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
With New England poised to take a quarterback with their third overall pick, Bourne could serve as a veteran presence among an underwhelming receiving corps (as currently constructed). If the Patriots do also go out and bring in another wideout, such as Calvin Ridley, that group would greatly enhanced from 2023 when New England ranked 28th in passing yards per game.
Bourne has spent the last three seasons in New England after beginning his career with the San Francisco 49ers.
Bourne had previously stated that he would "love to be back" with the Patriots and expects to be ready for Week 1 in 2024, despite coming off of his season-ending injury.
"My plan is to play Game 1 and I believe I’m going to be ready. Where I’m at right now, on track, ahead of schedule and I feel good. So, building that confidence, building my strength in my legs so that I can be ready to go Game 1. "
- Kendrick Bourne
In 41 games with the Patriots, Bourne has hauled in 127 catches for 1,640 yards and 10 touchdowns.