REPORT: Patriots Bring Back Key Offensive Player

REPORT: Kendrick Bourne, New England Patriots, Agree to Contract

Kendrick Bourne is coming off a season where he was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise underwhelming New England Patriots offense. Appearing in eight games while making five starts, the shifty wideout finished the season with 37 receptions for 406 yards and four touchdowns on 50 targets. Unfortunately, Bourne suffered an ACL injury midway through the team’s second matchup against the Miami Dolphins, prematurely ending his season.

Bourne originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent. After failing to hear his name during the 2017 NFL Draft, the Eastern Washington product quickly signed with the San Francisco 49ers. The rookie spent training camp competing for a backup job and eventually earned a spot on the Week 1 roster. Playing sparingly, Bourne finished his inaugural campaign with 16 receptions for 257 yards and no touchdowns on 34 targets.

Bourne’s role continued to grow as the years progressed. Over the next three seasons, the wideout averaged 44 receptions for 547 yards and four touchdowns per 17 games. While he was never the featured part of Kyle Shanahan’s offense, Bourne proved that he could be a valuable player in the right scheme. After playing out his rookie contract, Kendrick Bourne earned a larger payday with the New England Patriots in March of 2021.

New England’s investment immediately paid dividends. During his first year with the Patriots, Bourne posted career highs across the board with 55 receptions for 800 yards and five touchdowns on 70 targets. He was one of the most efficient receivers in the league on a per-target basis and played a big role in New England’s first postseason appearance in the post-Brady Era. Unfortunately, Bourne’s second season in New England wasn’t as successful. Not seeing eye to eye with first-year offensive coordinator Matt Patricia, Bourne finished the 2022 season with just 35 receptions for 434 yards and one touchdown.

Since signing his rookie contract, Kendrick Bourne has recorded 264 receptions for 3,409 yards and 21 touchdowns on 391 targets.