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: 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…
He Will Be Cheap
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
Bourne is coming off a torn ACL. It’s unlikely he’ll get any more than a one-year deal with an AAV in the single-digit millions. So, he’ll be a flyer, a prove-it guy regardless of where he signs. But in New England, there would at least be some familiarity.
He Fits The Offense
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ: Kendrick Bourne of the New England Patriots is tackled by Jordan Whitehead of the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 24, 2023. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
The Patriots can’t exactly be in the business of turning away weapons that they know worked here. Bourne has been the Patriots’ only receiver signing to consistently play well when on the field over the past four seasons. He’s vastly out-performed the likes of JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker, and proved to be a better free-agent signing than Nelson Agholor, as well.
He Shows Up When You Need Him
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 15: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the New England Patriots runs after a catch during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
When Bourne has been given an opportunity to make an impact for the team – and he hasn’t always been afforded that opportunity, for whatever reason – he’s come through. Bourne was one of the few Patriots to show up in their only playoff game since 2018, and was easily their most consistently productive receiver in an otherwise dreadful 2023 season. He needs to stay healthy, but the Pats know that when he is, they have a reliable option in the passing game.
He’s Got The Right Attitude
Jul 26, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) signs an autograph for a fan during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Bourne was almost constantly a beacon of positivity during three largely chaotic seasons in New England. When he seemingly got held down in 2022, he kept a smile on his face. When he lost his cool during a joint practice, it was a shocking departure from the norm. He is an endlessly likable figure due to his positive attitude and solid performance on the field, making him a strong all-around addition for any team. And the Patriots should continue to reap those same benefits.
