Don’t expect the New England Patriots and Kendrick Bourne to strike up a contract extension before free agency, according to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson. The Patriots’ veteran wide receiver is expected to test the free agent market, after missing over half the 2023 season with a torn ACL.
Bourne has expressed publicly about his desires to stay in New England, but one has to wonder what his contract situation looks like right now as a 28-year-old receiver coming off such a significant injury.
He clearly appeared to be heading towards a breakout season with 37 catches for 406 yards and four touchdowns in the first eight games of the season. But his season was ultimately cut short in Week 8 at Miami.
“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,” Wilson posted on the platform X. “Full recovery expected from knee injury for first game of season with steady progress already happening.”
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
Keep in mind, just because the two sides aren’t expected to reach a deal before the start of free agency doesn’t mean Bourne is out in New England. This could simply be a matter of him testing the market and coming back to the Patriots to give them a chance to match his best offer.
Bourne was one of the few productive receivers on the Patriots’ struggling roster. Even with the knee injury, he’s expected to be ready by the regular season opener to contribute.
It’s surreal to think his comeback game could potentially be elsewhere and not in New England.
