The New England Patriots de-prioritized Kendrick Bourne last year, but they’re reportedly not interested in moving the wide receiver before Tuesday’s roster deadline.
According to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, New England received inquiries about Bourne. They informed teams he’s not available.
The Patriots have gotten calls about WR Kendrick Bourne, but they’ve told teams he’s not available, per sources. @TheAthletic
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 29, 2023
Following four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Bourne tallied a career-high 800 receiving yards with the Patriots in 2021. He also gained 125 yards on a dozen rushes.
However, his role mysteriously dwindled last year.
Bourne played just two snaps — one of which he turned into a 41-yard reception — in New England’s 2022 opener after showing up late for a meeting. He appeared to stay in the doghouse for most of the season, catching 35 of just 48 targets for 434 yards and a touchdown.
Yet the 28-year-old might be getting a clean slate after an impressive summer. MassLive’s Mark Daniels said Bourne reported to camp in “the best shape of his life” and proved himself as one of the team’s top-three receivers.
Head coach Bill Belichick also commended Bourne’s offseason progress last week.
“He had a good spring,” Belichick told reporters on Aug. 21, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “That spring led into having a good training camp. He’s done very well in all phases — played multiple spots, caught the ball well, blocked well.”
Rather than getting moved, Bourne could play a bigger role for a Patriots offense that re-hired offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien after a tumultuous year. He’s poised to line up alongside DeVante Parker and the recently signed JuJu Smith-Schuster as Mac Jones’ top receiving targets in 2023.