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New England Patriots

New England Patriots

New England Patriots

Kendrick Bourne contract includes rare performance-related clause

Author Matt Dolloff
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)

The New England Patriots’ new Kendrick Bourne contract includes a rarely used stipulation based around the wide receiver’s statistical performance.

As first reported by the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo on Wednesday, Bourne will have to reach a certain receiving milestone in order to get some of his “guaranteed” money. If he reaches 800 receiving yards in the 2024 season, $2.5 million of his 2025 money will become fully guaranteed. Think of it as a salary that becomes fully guaranteed on a certain date, except in the form of an incentive to hit a certain number.

MORE: Patriots re-sign WR Jalen Reagor

Bourne has 840 receiving yards in 24 games over the past two seasons combined, so he’s far from a guarantee to hit 800 in a single campaign. However, if Bourne can stay healthy, he’s capable of keeping an 800-yard pace. Even in a disastrous 2023, Bourne was on pace for 79 catches, 863 yards, and nine touchdowns, before a torn ACL cut his season short.

The new Kendrick Bourne contract protects the Patriots against injury and a lack of production. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

The new Kendrick Bourne contract protects the Patriots against injury and a lack of production. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Bourne’s new contract includes $5.5 million guaranteed independent of the extra clause. He gets a $4.2 million signing bonus and a fully guaranteed $1.3 million salary in 2024, as reported by ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

Here are the full details:

2024
$1.3 million base salary (guaranteed)
$850,000 roster bonus ($50k/game)
$150,000 workout bonus
$5.5 million max incentives

2025
$5.5 million base salary ($2.5M becomes guaranteed if he gets 800 receiving yards in 2024)
$850,000 roster bonus ($50k/game)
$150,000 workout bonus
$4 million max incentives

2026
$5.5 million base salary
$850,000 roster bonus ($50k/game)
$150,000 workout bonus
$4 million max incentives

Bourne is a small part of the Patriots’ big campaign to retain core players before they hit free agency. The team has also re-signed tight end Hunter Henry, tackle Michael Onwenu, wide receiver Jalen Reagor, and linebackers Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings.

Oct. 1, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) catches a pass in warmups before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Oct. 1, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) catches a pass in warmups before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

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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.

NFL Free Agency Tracker, Day 3: The latest as the league year kicks off

  • Patriots miss out on top tackle

    The tackle market may get going now that one of, if not the top player at the position is off the board. On Thursday night Jonah Williams signed with the Arizona Cardinals on a two-year, $30 million contract with $19 million guaranteed. Williams doesn’t only have four years of starting experience, but has started on both sides of the line.

    Adam Schefter on Twitter: "Former Bengals OT Jonah Williams is signing a two-year, $30 million deal that includes $19 million guaranteed with the Arizona Cardinals, per source. / Twitter"

    Former Bengals OT Jonah Williams is signing a two-year, $30 million deal that includes $19 million guaranteed with the Arizona Cardinals, per source.

  • Patriots make two signings in the trenches

    The Patriots continue to build from the trenches on out. On Wednesday afternoon they signed two linemen – one on offense and one on defense. Defensive lineman Armon Watts joins the Patriots from the Steelers on a one-year deal worth up to $3 million. Guard Nick Leverett comes to the Patriots from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the details of his contract yet to be reported.

    Andrew Callahan on Twitter: "Source: The #Patriots are signing free-agent DL Armon Watts to a 1-year deal worth up to $3 million. pic.twitter.com/tzMdJEqpKb / Twitter"

    Source: The #Patriots are signing free-agent DL Armon Watts to a 1-year deal worth up to $3 million. pic.twitter.com/tzMdJEqpKb

    Doug Kyed on Twitter: "Source confirms the Patriots are signing ex-Buccaneers free agent guard Nick Leverett.Provides some depth and flexibility on the interior offensive line. / Twitter"

    Source confirms the Patriots are signing ex-Buccaneers free agent guard Nick Leverett.Provides some depth and flexibility on the interior offensive line.

  • Another signing for the Titans

    The Titans weren’t done after adding Calvin Ridley. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, they’re re-signing kicker Nick Folk to a one-year deal. The Contract includes $3.755 million in guaranteed money, and is worth up to $4.13 million.

    Tom Pelissero on Twitter: "The #Titans are signing veteran kicker Nick Folk to a one-year, $3.755 million deal, per source. Max $4.13M with incentives. A big deal for the NFL's most accurate kicker in recent years. / Twitter"

    The #Titans are signing veteran kicker Nick Folk to a one-year, $3.755 million deal, per source. Max $4.13M with incentives. A big deal for the NFL's most accurate kicker in recent years.

  • Calvin Ridley lands with mystery team

    After days of speculation about the Patriots and Jaguars, Calvin Ridley signed with neither. He will stay in the AFC South though as he joins the Tennessee Titans on a four-year, $92 million contract with $50 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This is the second year in a row the Titans have signed one of the top wide receivers in free agency, after landing DeAndre Hopkins last year.

    Ian Rapoport on Twitter: "🚨 🚨 🚨 Sources: The #Titans are signing #Jaguars star WR Calvin Ridley, completing their FA with a splash. A stunner!!The 29-year old Ridley gets a 4-year, $92M deal with $50M fully guaranteed on a contract negotiated by @DavidMulugheta and Reza Hesam of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/GcKaDQ79RL / Twitter"

    🚨 🚨 🚨 Sources: The #Titans are signing #Jaguars star WR Calvin Ridley, completing their FA with a splash. A stunner!!The 29-year old Ridley gets a 4-year, $92M deal with $50M fully guaranteed on a contract negotiated by @DavidMulugheta and Reza Hesam of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/GcKaDQ79RL

  • Panthers sign cornerback

    The Carolina Panthers are adding former Buffalo Bills cornerback Dane Jackson. According to Tom Pelissero, it’s a two-year deal for up to $14.5 million.

  • Chargers release WR Mike Williams

    The Los Angeles Chargers have to be cap compliant by 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, and so they have to get rid of some high-priced players to make that happen. The first domino on that has fallen: according to Ian Rapoport, the Chargers are releasing WR Mike Williams, making him a free agent.

  • Bucs bring Whitehead back

    The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are bringing back a familiar face. Safety Jordan Whitehead is returning to the Bucs on a two-year deal after playing the past two seasons with the Jets, as first reported by Ian Rapoport. The contract has a base value of $9 million and a max of $10.5 million.

     

  • 49ers re-sign fullback

    The San Francisco 49ers are keeping the best fullback in football. Kyle Juszczyk is staying with the team, as first announced by his agency.

  • Raiders sign tight end

    The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $4 million with tight end Harrison Bryant, as reported by Adam Schefter. Bryant follows in the footsteps of Austin Hooper as a former Browns tight end heading to Vegas.

  • Seahawks re-sign cornerback

    The Seattle Seahawks are keeping veteran cornerback Artie Burns on a one-year deal, according to Adam Schefter. Burns provides solid depth for Seattle, who already have top-5 draft pick Devin Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen atop their cornerback depth chart.

  • Eagles extend kicker

    The Philadelphia Eagles announced Wednesday that they’re keeping kicker Jake Elliott in the fold on a four-year extension. Elliott has been one of the better kickers in the league in recent seasons, and he gets to stay with the Super Bowl contenders.

  • Trade! Texans send DT to Niners

    Another trade: as broken by Adam Schefter, the Texans are trading defensive tackle Maliek Collins to the 49ers. Houston is reshaping its defensive frrnt-seven after agreeing to terms with Danielle Hunter, Azeez Al-Shaair, and Denico Autry in free agency.

  • Trade! Jets get tackle from Ravens

    The New York Jets have found a new starting tackle. According to multiple reports, they’re getting Morgan Moses from the Ravens. Morgan previously played for the Jets in 2021; now, he returns, presumably as a plug-and-play starting right tackle.

  • Patriots, J.C. Jackson have mutual interest

    The Patriots have a sneaky need at outside corner behind Christian Gonzalez. It appears that they could make that happen with a familiar face.

    According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there’s mutual interest between the Patriots and J.C. Jackson for a new deal, despite the cornerback’s March 1 release. Fowler believes this “could be a down-the-line development” for the two sides.

    So, Jackson may not be generating much interest around the league, making a return to New England an attractive option for him. That’s especially considering he could still be the Pats’ clear No. 2 outside corner on the current roster. Pats fans could be left waiting until the spring or summer for the team to find another starting corner.

    EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 26: J.C. Jackson #29 of the New England Patriots reacts after a play during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 26: J.C. Jackson #29 of the New England Patriots reacts after a play during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

  • Bills add a wide receiver

    According to Jeremy Fowler, the Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms with impending free-agent wide receiver Mack Hollins. A new weapon for Josh Allen, who is going to have to adjust to life without Gabe Davis, who signed with the Jaguars.

  • Arik Armstead drawing interest

    Niners defensive lineman Arik Armstead is still expected to be released and become a free agent. According to Dianna Russini, the Tennessee Titans, who have been busy in free agency, are expected to have interest in Armstead, among other clubs.

  • Patriots re-sign another linebacker

    The Patriots are bringing back yet another key piece of their defensive front-seven. According to Ian Rapoport, they’re re-signing linebacker Anfernee Jennings to a three-year extension. Jennings stepped up in the absence of Matthew Judon in 2023, with 14 starts.

  • 49ers add veteran linebacker

    The San Francisco are adding veteran help to their front-seven. According to Adam Schefter, they’re signing former Chargers and Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks to a one-year deal.

  • Dolphins re-sign running back

    The Miami Dolphins are re-signing running back Salvon Ahmed to a one-year deal, according to Aaron Wilson. MIke McDaniel gets to preserve his RB depth as the Dolphins’ dynamic offense looks to build upon a strong 2023 season.

  • (Click here to subscribe to Patriots audio on 98.5 The Sports Hub.)

    Need a recap of the first day of free agency? Check out our official day 1 tracker.

    Get complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

    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.

Matt, a North Andover, Massachusetts native, has been with The Sports Hub since 2010. Growing up the son of Boston University All-American and Melrose High School hall-of-fame hockey player Steve Dolloff, sports was always a part of his life. After attending Northeastern University, Matt focused his love of sports on writing, extensively writing about all four major Boston teams. He also is a co-host of the Sports Hub Underground podcast and is a regular on-air contributor on the Sports Hub. Matt writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.

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