The New England Patriots continue to make moves ahead of free agency.
According to his agent, Henry Organ, the Patriots are re-signing wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, one of their most productive offensive players, to a three-year deal.
According to the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan, the deal has a maximum value of $33M and includes a $4.2M signing bonus.
Bourne, 28, is coming off a season-ending ACL injury. Bourne had only played eight games in 2023 before his season was cut short; he caught 37 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns in eight games. He led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns before his season-ending injury.
Bourne’s return to the Patriots in 2024 was up in the air. However, his great energy and leadership are one reasons he quickly became a fan favorite. Bourne has tallied 127 receptions, 1,640 yards, and ten touchdowns in three years with the organization.
Bourne appeared on NFL Network last week, expressing his desire to return to New England.
“I do. I do,” Bourne said when asked if he wanted to return to the Patriots. “It has helped me in my career, especially as a man. Bill Belichick, you bring him up, he’s somebody that helped me; you know, it’s a new coach and new situation, but the building itself, the organization itself, what they stand for has helped me grow. So, it’s someplace that they hold a special place in my heart, so I would love to go back.”
After re-signing tight-end Hunter Henry, the Patriots seem to be making it a priority to keep their most productive players around. Since joining the team in 2021, Hunter Henry and Kendrick Bourne have both led the team in receptions.
Although he is coming off the injury, Bourne hopes to be healthy again for the start of the 2024 season.
“I plan to play game one. I believe I’ll be ready. Where I’m going right now, on track, ahead of schedule, and I feel good,” Bourne said last week. “So, building that confidence, building my strength in my legs so I can be ready to go game one.”
Bourne rejoins fellow receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, DeMario Douglas, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte, T.J. Luther, and Kawaan Baker. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Patriots are also expected to target another veteran receiver in free agency and are reportedly interested in signing Calvin Ridley.
The NFL legal tampering period starts on Monday at noon—the new league year kicks off on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
