Kendrick Bourne is getting set to hit free agency next week, but he is hoping to re-sign with the New England Patriots.
The veteran wide receiver is coming off of a torn ACL and can probably had for fairly cheap on the open market as a result. Surely, there will be some contending teams who will be interested in signing him as an auxiliary option in their aerial attacks, but Bourne prefers to stay with the Patriots.
“I do. I do,” Bourne said, via Grant Gordon of NFL media. “It’s something that has helped me in my career, especially in my life as a man. [Bill] Belichick, obviously you bring him up, he’s somebody that helped me, obviously 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 some place that they hold a special place in my heart, so I would love to go back.”
Bourne has spent the last three seasons in New England after signing with the club in 2021. He seemed to be on pace to have his best year as a member of the Pats this past year before tearing his ACL eight games into the season.
However, the 28-year-old believes he will be ready for 2024.
“My plan is to play Game 1 and I believe I’m going to be ready,” he said. “Where I’m at right now, on track, ahead of schedule and I feel good. So, building that confidence, building my strength in my legs so that I can be ready to go Game 1.”
During the time he was on the field in 2023, Bourne logged 37 catches for 406 yards and four touchdowns.
Bourne, who played his collegiate football at Eastern Washington, went undrafted but eventually landed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2017.
He spent four seasons with the 49ers, producing mixed results. He then proceeded to join the Patriots, and in his debut campaign in Foxborough, he enjoyed the best season of his career, hauling in 55 receptions for 800 yards and five scores.
We’ll see if Kendrick Bourne is back with the Patriots next year.
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