Patriots agree to deal with free-agent wide receiver Kendrick Bourne

The Patriots have landed a wide receiver as part of an uncharacteristically aggressive start to free agency, agreeing to a deal with former 49ers wideout Kendrick Bourne. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler was first to report that the Pats were working on signing Bourne, with Ian Rapoport confirming the agreement.

Bourne's deal with the Patriots is for 3 years and up to $22.5 million. He joins fellow wideout Nelson Agholor and tight end Jonnu Smith as the third offensive skill player to land in New England on Monday.

In 15 games for the Niners in 2020, Bourne caught 49 passes for 667 yards and two touchdowns. He ranks below the top wide receivers available in terms of talent, but fits the Patriots' profile for a complementary inside receiver. He notably had the third-best time in the three-cone drill, a Patriots favorite, at the 2017 NFL Combine. That's indicative of how Bourne makes up for a lack of high-end speed with short-area quickness.

Scroll down for more potential free agents for the Patriots offense, including some that are more affordable after the Patriots' spending spree on Monday.

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