Key Patriots Player Is Expected To Test Market In Free Agency

After parting ways with legendary head coach Bill Belichick after another disappointing NFL season, a new era begins for the New England Patriots, with the team heading into the offseason trying to figure out how to get back on track as a playoff contender in the AFC.

Obviously, with such a big change to the coaching staff after more than two decades, there will almost certainly be some growing pains for new head coach Jerod Mayo and company.

That said, the team could end up losing some of it’s best players, with some veterans potentially not wanting to go through an extensive rebuilding process, which could take years.

One of those players could be wide receiver Kendrick Bourne who will become a free agent this offseason and will likely have no shortage of suitors, even though the NFL Draft and free agency will be flooded with talent at the position.

According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, the Patriots and Bourne coming to terms on a new deal doesn’t seem likely.

Don’t expect a new deal at this time for #Patriots and pending free agent wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, per league sources, as he is currently expected to test the market where strong interest is expected. Full recovery expected from knee injury for first game of season with…

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 23, 2024

Unfortunately for Bourne, he played in only eight games for the Patriots during the 2023 campaign, finishing with 37 catches for 406 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

Bourne was on pace to have a brilliant season, but a knee injury proved costly and ultimately ended his season, which was bad timing for the 28-year-old wide receiver.

It’ll be interesting to see what kind of market develops for Bourne, as he would be an upgrade for a lot of teams if signed in free agency.

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