If Kendrick Bourne wants to re-sign with the New England Patriots, then the Patriots should re-sign him.
The veteran wide receiver is on track for unrestricted free agency in March, after completing a three-year deal with the Pats that featured plenty of wild ups and downs. And because of the sometimes extreme adversity Bourne dealt with in New England – most recently, a torn ACL that knocked him out of the 2023 campaign – it would make sense if he wanted a fresh start elsewhere.
But Bourne showed enough to prove that he can be a strong complementary receiver in the Patriots offense, and would continue to be if the team keeps a similar system in place. He’s also set a fine example for the organization in other ways, displaying qualities that will make him a good signing wherever he lands.
![MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 29: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the New England Patriots celebrates a receiving touchdown during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2023/10/GettyImages-1763495680-copy.jpg)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA: Kendrick Bourne of the New England Patriots celebrates a receiving touchdown during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Oct. 29, 2023. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
There’s still a multitude of reasons why it makes sense for Bourne to remain a Patriot. Some of them are relatively outside Bourne’s control, while others are firmly in his hands.
As for Bourne himself, he indicated in an X post on Tuesday that he’s potentially interested in returning. “PATS FANS IF YALL ORDER SOME MERCH IM COMIG (sic) BACK”, Bourne said.
that would be a cruel joke. For now we’re assuming that, merch or no merch, Bourne would consider re-signing with the Patriots. Here’s a quick look at some of the reasons why it makes sense for the Pats, too…