The New England Patriots have reportedly cut ties with a veteran member of their roster.
ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that the team has parted ways with wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. Bourne had previously requested his release and New England obliged to his request, per reporting.
Bourne has spent the last four seasons of his career with the Patriots after spending the first five with the San Francisco 49ers.
His first season with New England was by far his best, as he hauled in 55 catches for 800 yards and five touchdowns. He added 12 carries for 125 yards, finishing just shy of 1,000 scrimmage yards for the season.
Since 2021, Bourne has struggled to produce, as he has just 1,145 receiving yards and six touchdowns in the three seasons following the best year of his career. His lack of production can be attributed to playing time, as he's appeared in 36 of New England's 51 games from 2022 through 2024. That's just 70% and it is by far the worst percentage for any three-year stretch of his career.
It is possible that Bourne has several suitors and one team that makes sense is New England's division rival, the New York Jets.
A Jets-Bourne trade idea has previously been suggested, and it is well-documented that New York has been searching for receiver help throughout the preseason.
A return to the AFC East to partner with Justin Fields and Garrett Wilson could be what Bourne needs to get his career back on track. If he does not choose to go to the Jets, the 49ers have also been named as a potential landing spot.
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