The New England Patriots have some tough choices ahead this winter. While fans are eager for new additions, the team will also need to part ways with certain players.
One potential cut is wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.
Bourne has fallen short of expectations since signing a three-year contract last year. In his first season under the deal, he managed just 305 yards and one touchdown.
After suffering an ACL injury in 2023, he returned but wasn’t the same player. That year, he showed promise with 406 yards and four touchdowns in eight games, hinting at the potential to be a 1,000-yard, 10-touchdown receiver. However, his 2024 performance didn’t come close to that level, which is a concern for a team aiming to rebuild.
Chad Graff of The Athletic believes the Patriots are ready to move on. He predicts the team will release Bourne this offseason, a move that would free up $4.9 million in salary cap space.
“A year ago, the Patriots signed Bourne to a three-year deal. But that contract doesn’t have many guarantees after 2024, and the Pats could easily get out of the deal,” Graff wrote.
Releasing him would allow New England to save money and seek a more productive replacement, whether through free agency, internal options, or the draft.
