Patriots make first wide receiver move ahead of free agency
Kendrick Bourne is committing to the rebuild in Foxboro.
As first reported by Adam Schefter Sunday night, Bourne is re-signing with the New England Patriots on a three-year deal with a maximum value of $33 million. According to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, the deal has a base value of $19.5 million ($6.5M per season) and includes a $4.2 million signing bonus.
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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](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2024/02/USATSI_21408054-1.jpg)
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.