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Report: Patriots re-sign WR Kendrick Bourne to 3-year contract
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Patriots
Bourne was in the midst of a career year in New England before suffering a knee injury in Week 8.
The Patriots have reportedly re-upped one of their top pass-catchers ahead of the start of free agency.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Patriots are re-signing wide receiver Kendrick Bourne to a three-year contract worth up to $33 million. The 28-year-old wideout was expected to hit free agency this week, with the NFL’s legal tampering period expected to begin at 12 p.m.
Bourne has been one of the few bright spots on a New England offensive unit that has underwhelmed over the last few years. In three seasons with the Patriots, Bourne has reeled in 127 catches for 1,640 yards and 10 touchdowns in 41 games.
Even during a miserable 2023 season, Bourne was in the midst of a career year in New England (37 catches, 406 yards, four touchdowns in eight games) before tearing his ACL during a Week 8 road loss to the Dolphins.
Speaking on “NFL Total Access” on Thursday, Bourne stressed that he’s expected to be cleared for the start of the 2024 season — especially after consulting with surgeon Neal ElAttrache, who has performed procedures on Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, Shohei Ohtani, and other star athletes.
“He let me know that I’m going to be ready, come in minicamp getting ready and then training camp I’m full go,” Bourne said. “My plan is to play Game 1. And I believe I’m going to be ready. Where I’m at right now, I’m on track — ahead of schedule. I feel good.”
Bourne, who first joined New England in 2021 after signing a three-year, $15 million contract, opened his tenure in Foxborough with 55 receptions, 800 yards and five touchdowns during the 2021 season.
He found himself in de-facto offensive coordinator Matt Patricia’s doghouse during the 2022 season, earning limited reps behind Nelson Agholor and Tyquan Thornton. But a bounce-back season in 2023 put him in position to land a significant payday before suffering his knee injury.
Earlier on Sunday, CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson reported there was a “notable gap” between the Patriots and Bourne in contract negotiations. Still, Bourne has noted multiple times this offseason that he’d like to return to Foxborough.
“Obviously, it’s a new coach and new situation, but the building itself, the organization itself, what they stand for, has helped me grow, man. It’s some place, they hold a special place in my heart, man. So, I would love to go back,” Bourne said on “NFL Total Access” about the Patriots. “Free agency frenzy as we’re all talking about. I don’t know what’s going to happen. But I’m excited to know.”
Bourne and the Patriots finally have some clarity, with New England also reportedly signing another key offensive contributor in tight end Hunter Henry to a three-year contract on Friday.
Even with Henry and Bourne now reportedly signed through the 2026 season, the Patriots are expected to be aggressive for more offensive talent this week once free agency begins.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Sunday that New England is expected to “swing big” at Calvin Ridley, who might be the top wideout on the market this week.
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Conor Ryan
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