Patriots make first wide receiver move ahead of free agency
Kendrick Bourne is committing to the rebuild in Foxboro.
As first reported by 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 Source: The #Patriots are re-signing WR Kendrick Bourne to a 3-year, $19.5 million contract.
Bourne’s deal carries a maximum value of $33 million and includes a $4.2 million signing bonus. pic.twitter.com/aUZVCqmvEi
MORE: Patriots add former Steelers tackle in pre-free agency signing
Bourne played eight games in 2023 before a torn ACL cut his season short. He caught 37 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns prior to the injury.
Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) celebrates his touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles with wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (7) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
The 28-year-old wideout had made several public appearances at various league events in recent weeks, and indicated that he expects to be ready for the start of camp with whatever team ended up signing him. As it turns out, he stays where he just had three mercurial but often productive seasons.
Bourne becomes the second Patriots pass-catcher from the 2021 free agent class to re-up with the team. Tight end Hunter Henry, who was voted a team captain in 2023, is also staying in the fold on a three-year deal.
The question for Bourne and Henry, now, as the first day of “legal tampering” in free agency begins Monday afternoon, is who will be throwing them the ball? The Patriots are widely expected to draft a quarterback, and could also be involved in the open market. But New England can rest assured that more moves will be made at that position, especially after the Pats traded Mac Jones to the Jaguars.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.
Patriots Free Agency Tracker: The latest news & rumors in New England
Patriots Sign Right Tackle
As first reported by
The #Patriots beef up their tackle spot, agreeing to terms with former #Steelers starter Chukwuma Okorafor, source said. Plenty of starting experience.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ian Rapoport, the Patriots are signing former Steelers right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor. The 26-year-old started 59 of 77 games for Pittsburgh from 2018-23.According to Field Yates, Okorafor’s contract is for one year and a base value of $4 million with a chance to be worth up to $8.25 million. The move feels like an insurance signing in the event that the Pats end up losing Mike Onwenu in free agency.
Oct 30, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor (76) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Onwenu to become free agent
The Patriots used up their only tag on safety Kyle Dugger, who got the transition tag. That means they couldn’t use any tag on offensive lineman Mike Onwenu. That didn’t necessarily mean Onwenu couldn’t still sign an extension with the Patriots, but according to
This also means that #Patriots versatile OL Mike Onwenu won't be tagged and will be a free agent. https://t.co/HyjjHto0Zz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ian Rapoport, Onwenu is expected to become an unrestricted free agent.New England now runs the risk of losing its starting right tackle to free agency. With left tackle Trent Brown also likely gone, the Patriots have a lot of work to do at that position.
Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots guard Mike Onwenu (71) blocks against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Patriots place transition tag on Kyle Dugger
The Patriots have applied the transition tag – not the franchise tag – to safety Kyle Dugger, as reported by
Dugger now set to make $13.81M on the tag. Gives New England time to hash out a long-term deal with him. https://t.co/KLV1b1vJNr
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 5, 2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Per the report, Dugger’s transition tag costs $13.81 million. Fowler believes the Patriots could be buying time to work toward a long-term deal with the 27-year-old safety.The transition tag gives the Patriots the right to match any offer Dugger would receive on the open market, similar to a restricted free agent getting an offer sheet. However, the big difference is if they lose Dugger to another team, they won’t receive any compensation.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 01: Kyle Dugger #23 of the New England Patriots runs back an interception for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Patriots not close with Henry, Bourne
It doesn’t sound good for the Patriots’ chances to re-sign either wide receiver Kendrick Bourne or tight end Hunter Henry. According to a report by MassLive from the combine, they’re “not seeing eye-to-eye” with Bourne on a contract, and they’re “far apart on an extension” with Henry.
The report did also state that the Patriots “would like to bring Henry back.” But it sounds like it’s going to take a real, competitive offer to get that done.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 24: Hunter Henry #85 of the New England Patriots celebrates with Kendrick Bourne #84 after a touchdown during the first half in the game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
