Quick thoughts and notes on the New England Patriots and the NFL:1. Bourne’s status: Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne got back on track for a career year when he tore his right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) against the Miami Dolphins in the Patriots’ 31-17 loss on Oct. 1. 29. He decided to pick up where he left off, in more ways than one. Bourne explains that he is getting out of rehab early because he has a physical therapist living with him in Portland, Oregon to help with his recovery. He plans to be ready for the 2024 season opener, but said he has no control over whether he wears a Patriots uniform. Bourne is one of 18 players on the team who are unrestricted free agents. “I want to go back [to New England]. That’s my goal. I like to be patriotic. It’s a great environment for someone like me,” Bourne told ESPN. “Being a Patriot helped me become the player I am today. I’m happy with the organization, but you never know. We’ve been through free agency before, so we didn’t know what was going to happen. And I don’t know that now. Bourne’s first foray into free agency came after the 2020 season. He spent the first four years of his career with the San Francisco 49ers, where he earned opportunities as an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Washington before signing a three-year contract. The Patriots have a cap hit of $15 million and $22.5 million. His career began under the tutelage of then-offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, which has since helped develop his affinity for the Patriots.“I had my best year in 2021 [55 receptions, 800 yards, five touchdowns]. 2022 was a year of hardship. Last year I had the best year ever and it brought a lot of changes in my life. To become a better person, to become a better footballer, to get married, just to change my mindset. “The Patriots were a big part of that, and I don’t want to take that for granted,” he said.
2. Wolves presence: The Patriots haven’t named a general manager since parting ways with Bill Belichick last month after 24 seasons. Director of Scouting Eliot Wolf remained at Gillette Stadium last week as the Patriots’ strong contingent traveled to the Senior Bowl and Temple Bowl. According to sources, he was directly involved in the interview process with first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, which seems to indicate how Wolff’s duties will shift to the responsibilities typically associated with a general manager. It was assumed after Belichick left.
3. Patriots = Packers: Wolf is the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame executive Ron Wolf and rose through the Packers’ staff ranks from 2004 to 2017, at one point becoming director of player personnel. His promotion to New England shows the Patriots transitioning to a Packer-based structure that focuses more on personnel department evaluations than the head coach making the final decisions (the New England model is used). over the past 20 years, including under Belichick). The Packers’ last two drafts look particularly strong.
