The New England Patriots are already entering a franchise-changing season. They hired a new head coach, revamped their front office and are expected to reorganize their roster from top to bottom. Free will will be an important part of this process. Outside players will certainly be added, and in-house free agents will also need to be dealt with. All 24 are scheduled to hit the open market this spring and require new contracts.Among them is wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, the next player in our free agent profile series.
Hard facts.
- Name: Kendrick Bourne
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Opening date: 29 (4-8-1995)Size: 6’1″, 205 lbs.
- Jersey number: 84
- Independent status: unrestricted independent
Bourne began his career in San Francisco, becoming a reliable target in the 49ers’ passing game. He passed for more than 1,800 yards (including 42 in Super Bowl 54) and 12 touchdowns in four seasons before hitting free agency. From there, he signed with New England through the 2021 season. CleverCloseLogo overlayVaughn played a big role in New England’s offense and showed a strong connection with starting quarterback Mac Jones. The receiver set career highs in both receptions (55) and receiving yards (800) and tied team highs with seven receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns in the wild card loss.
Bourne seemed like the best choice to expand his role on the team in his second year, but the opposite happened. With Matt Patricia taking over the offense, Bourne endured a tumultuous summer, being sent home after one preseason game and missing training camp. This set the stage for a season where Bourne’s playing time and subsequent production were wildly popular.
2023 reviewStats: 8 games (5 starts) | 371 attacks (73.0%) | 37 receptions, 406 receiving yards, 11.0 yards per reception, 4 touchdowns.
Season Review: After a poor 2022 season, Vaughn sat out his final season. This consisted of a new exercise plan and a new diet, which helped him gain 15 kg of muscle mass.A new version of Bourne was slated to return in 2021, with Bill O’Brien taking over the crime in 2023. The receiver has impressed in training camp, with his chemistry with Jones continuing. He threw two touchdown passes in Week 1 earlier in the season, a feat that surpassed his total from the 2022 season (one).
Bourne’s hot start continued early in the season as he became New England’s most consistent pass catcher. He also caught 37 passes for 406 yards, surpassing his total from the 2022 season in eight weeks. Unfortunately, his season ended with a torn ACL in Week 8.Free agency previewWhat is his contract history? Vaughn reached free agency for the first time since signing a one-year deal with the Niners after signing a three-year contract in 2021. As an unrestricted free agent, he signed a three-year contract and $15 million with New England. Which teams can participate?
Vaughn will be 29 when next season begins and has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The wide receiver class in the NFL draft is also very deep. Still, Bourne has proven to be a valuable option in NFL offenses, and there should be several contenders for him. Both teams qualify for Super Bowl LVIII. Despite winning the Super Bowl, the Kansas City Chiefs may still be looking for an upgrade for Patrick Mahomes. Another West Coast offense, San Francisco tackle, could also apply as running back Jauan Jennings is set to hit free agency.
It would make sense for the Cincinnati Bengals if the team were to lose Tyler Boyd on the open market. Why is he expected to return it? Because he clearly expressed his desire to return. Bourne said on social media and in several interviews during Super Bowl week that he hopes to return to Foxboro after the season.”Over the years, they’ve helped me grow a lot in my life personally, emotionally, overall, mentally and ultimately as a football player. I want to get back to that,” he said on the Patriots Talk podcast. “I took it to another level with the Patriots and I think it’s really different.
It’s a supportive environment for me, it helps me become a better person and a better player. So I want to keep doing that.”Why should I go? The Patriots wide receiver is expected to make a difference in 2023 after underperforming. That should include adding talent around DeMario Douglas in free agency and the draft. But the team also has to make decisions on the contracts of JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker. If the Patriots can’t get out of one or more of those contracts, they may feel they don’t have the depth chart or salary cap space for Bourne.What are his expected results in free agency?
With Bourne hoping to return to New England following an ACL injury, this should play into the hands of the Patriots. Keeping Bourne instead of Smith-Schuster and/or Parker would be a smart investment and would allow both sides to sign two-year contracts worth a total of $12-14 million. What do you think about Kendrick Bourne moving in free agency? Will it stay the same? Or will the Patriots decide to part ways with him? Click the comments section to discuss.
