Patriots release veteran wideout Kendrick Bourne as roster shakeup continues; potential landing spots emerge
Kendrick Bourne’s four-plus-year run with the New England Patriots has come to an end. The veteran wide receiver was released after being carried through to the team’s 53-man roster, opening the door for a fresh start elsewhere.
Bourne joined the Patriots in 2020 and had long been a trade rumor staple, but he now moves on as he enters an age-30 season. The Vikings had shown interest in Bourne before they acquired Adam Thielen, and multiple other teams reportedly explored him as an option as well. A potential return to the 49ers has also been floated, with San Francisco having pursued Bourne in the past during the Brandon Aiyuk negotiations.
Sources noted that Bourne asked for his release this offseason, and the Patriots obliged. The team had kept eight receivers on its initial 53-man roster, a relatively high number that underscored the depth concerns at that position. The Patriots will now absorb a $2.8 million dead-money hit on Bourne’s contract.
Bourne re-signed with New England last March on a three-year, $19.5 million deal, but there was no guaranteed money remaining. The move aligns with New England’s broader WR reconstruction under head coach Mike Vrabel’s offseason tenure, as the team added Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency. Bourne’s on-field production has cooled since his 800-yard breakout season in 2021, with fewer than 500 receiving yards in each subsequent campaign.
The 49ers have continued to reshuffle their receiving corps, adding Skyy Moore and Marquez Valdes-Scantling this offseason. With Brandon Aiyuk on the reserve/PUP list and other wideouts dealing with injuries or contract matters, Bourne would be a familiar fit as a depth option, especially given his UDFA roots and previous success in San Francisco.
Bourne’s departure leaves him free to sign with any team, and his experience and versatility as a reliable possession receiver could make him an appealing addition for a number of offenses in need of veteran presence and steady hands on the outside or in the slot.
What this means for New England is a clearer path for younger receivers and a chance to recalibrate the depth chart ahead of the season. For Bourne, the market should move quickly, with several teams likely weighing him as a quick-impact contributor who can help bridge gaps early in the year.
Summary and outlook:
– Bourne released after eight-receiver depth in the Patriots’ 53-man roster decision.
– No guaranteed money remained; $2.8 million dead-money hit for New England.
– Potential landing spots include the 49ers (previous interest) and other teams seeking a seasoned depth receiver.
– Bourne’s best season was in 2021; he remains a solid auxiliary option entering his age-30 season.
– The move could prompt offensive-minded teams to consider Bourne for immediate depth and veteran leadership.
Additional notes:
– If Bourne lands with a team that emphasizes versatile, reliable route-running and strong after-the-ccatch production, he could quickly carve out a role as a flexible slot or outside option.
– For the Patriots, this clears a roster spot and cap space while prioritizing younger receivers and potential in-house development.
Positive takeaway:
A fresh start could rejuvenate Bourne’s career and offer a veteran presence to a contender or a rebuilding offense alike, while the Patriots gain flexibility and cap relief to shape their receiving corps for the upcoming season.