The Athletic's Chad Graff suggests that it could be time for the New England Patriots to move on from wide receiver Kendrick Bourne this offseason, even if he's their top player at their biggest position of need. Bourne missed the start of the 2024 season while recovering from a torn right ACL and caught only 28 passes on 38 targets for 305 yards and one touchdown in 12 games (nine starts) once he returned. With a new coaching regime in town, the Patriots could move on from Bourne, who will be heading into his age-30 season in 2025. New England would save $4.9 million in salary cap space if they cut him before June 1 or $6.3 million if they cut him with a post-June 1 designation. Bourne is under contract with the Patriots through the 2026 season, but it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see this rebuilding organization go in another direction as they completely rebuild their receiving corps.
Feb 22, 2025 12:03 PM EST
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne continues to trend in the wrong direction ahead of Sunday's Week 18 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The 29-year-old has seen his role decline over the last two weeks, during which he has been less productive than both DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte. Bourne played just 72 percent of the offensive snaps against the Los Angeles Chargers, and his two receptions tied his lowest mark since Week 8. The Bills have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to perimeter receivers, but that's less appealing when you consider that Boutte continues to handle more snaps than Bourne. Despite the favorable matchup, Bourne's reduced volume keeps him outside the top 50 fantasy receivers for Week 18. He ranks as a mid-to-low WR5.
Jan 4, 2025 4:33 PM EST
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has maintained a steady role within the offense, but he remains off the fantasy radar heading into Saturday's Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Bourne has just 11 catches for 131 yards over his last four games, and he hasn't found the end zone since Week 11 against the Los Angeles Rams. He and DeMario Douglas have played a similar number of snaps lately, but they both rank a significant distance behind Kayshon Boutte in terms of usage. That's particularly unfortunate for Bourne because he operates out wide, which is where Boutte has played 89.9 percent of his snaps. Therefore, even against a Bolts defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to perimeter wide receivers, Bourne can't be trusted in lineups as long as Boutte remains a top option in New England's passing attack.
Dec 27, 2024 12:54 AM EST
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne converted his two targets into two receptions for 18 yards during Sunday's Week 16 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The veteran pass-catcher was dependable when Drake Maye threw his way, but that didn't happen too often on Sunday evening. This was Bourne's worst outing since Week 8 and will keep him off the fantasy radar going forward. On a positive note, he did play 69.8 percent of the offensive snaps on Sunday, which was his highest mark since Week 9 against the Tennessee Titans (and his third-highest mark through 10 games this season). Moving forward, Bourne can be left on fantasy waivers. He faces the Los Angeles Chargers next Saturday afternoon in Massachusetts.
Dec 23, 2024 2:40 AM EST
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has emerged as a potential fantasy option lately, and he remains on the radar heading into Week 16 against the Buffalo Bills. Over his last four games, Bourne has totaled 14 catches, 183 yards, and one touchdown, cementing himself as one of Drake Maye's favorite targets. This week, Bourne gets a favorable matchup against the Bills, who have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing receivers who play out wide this year. Increased volume and a favorable matchup against the Bills put Bourne back on the radar as a low-end WR3/FLEX option in leagues with 14 or more teams.
Dec 21, 2024 12:14 AM EST
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne caught all three of his targets for 44 yards during Sunday's Week 15 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Most of Bourne's production came on one singular play: a 37-yard reception that set up the Patriots inside the red zone. Drake Maye and DeMario Douglas connected for a touchdown two plays later. Bourne, 29, has been impressive over his last four games, totaling 14 catches, 183 receiving yards, and one touchdown during that span. The veteran pass-catcher has emerged as one of Maye's favorite targets and might even be ahead of Douglas in the pecking order. He should be viewed as a mid-range WR4 option heading into Week 16 against the Buffalo Bills.
Dec 15, 2024 10:00 PM EST
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is not a reliable fantasy option entering Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals. While Bourne combined for 11 catches, 139 yards, and one touchdown in three games prior to the Patriots' bye, the 29-year-old's upside will be limited this week as he takes on the Cardinals. Bourne has played 78.5 percent of his snaps out wide, and Arizona has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to receivers operating out wide in 2024. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere such as Bourne's teammate and Patriots slot receiver DeMario Douglas for fantasy production in the WR3/FLEX position this week.
Dec 13, 2024 2:56 PM EST
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne caught all three of his targets for 39 yards during Sunday's Week 13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He played 64 percent of the team's offensive snaps and ranked third among Patriots wide receivers with 27 routes run. The 29-year-old now has at least three catches in each of his last three games, totaling 31.5 fantasy points (PPR) and ranking as the overall WR36 during that span. It's also worth noting that Bourne's production and fantasy value would have been even higher if not for a touchdown reception that was called back due to a penalty. Moving forward, Bourne's volume and scoring potential make him a fringe top-36 fantasy receiver on the other side of the Patriots' Week 14 bye.
Dec 2, 2024 2:42 AM EST
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne will look to command at least five targets for the third consecutive game this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. The veteran receiver now has 10 targets, eight catches, 100 yards, and one touchdown over the last two weeks, ranking as the overall WR26 in half-PPR leagues during that span. While it's a small size and Bourne's production did decline from Week 11 to Week 12, it's still worth noting that he has quickly cemented himself as one of Maye's most preferred and reliable targets within the New England offense. He should continue to see heavy usage in Week 13, giving him WR3/FLEX appeal in leagues with at least 14 teams. His ranking could rise further if DeMario Douglas (ankle, questionable) isn't able to play this weekend. Bourne's opponent, Indianapolis, has allowed the eighth-most catches, seventh-most receiving yards, and 14th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.
Nov 30, 2024 1:56 AM EST
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has emerged out of nowhere as a potential WR3/FLEX option in fantasy football ahead of this week's game against the Miami Dolphins. He didn't step foot on the field in Week 10, but last Sunday, he played nearly half of the offensive snaps and finished with five catches, 80 yards, and a touchdown. It's unclear which version of Bourne we'll get this week, but it seems likely that he has earned even more opportunities after last week's strong showing. Miami has allowed the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this year, but that number is likely skewed from the four-game stretch for which Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined; during that span, opponents adopted a run-heavy approach against the Dolphins and did not have to develop an overly aggressive passing attack. This Miami team allowed Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp to combine for 16 catches and 178 yards just two weeks ago. Bourne isn't on the same level as either Rams receiver, but the bottom line is that the Dolphins have shown they aren't going to shut down every pass-catcher they face. Bourne is a viable WR3/FLEX option in fantasy leagues with at least 14 teams.
Nov 22, 2024 10:15 AM EST
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne caught all five of his targets for 70 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Bourne did not play a single snap in Week 10 as head coach Jerod Mayo attempted to get more opportunities for some of the younger players. This week, Bourne was held to a modest 47.6 percent of offensive snaps but made good use of his opportunities, tallying 18 fantasy points in PPR leagues. The veteran pass-catcher will continue to compete for touches with DeMario Douglas, Hunter Henry, and Kayshon Boutte going forward, but he's still a low-end WR4 with significant upside. Bourne and the Patriots face the Miami Dolphins in Week 12.
Nov 17, 2024 10:29 PM EST
New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said that wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is expected to play in Week 11 against the visiting Los Angeles Rams. The Patriots have prioritized playing time for their younger players of late, but Bourne should be on the field this Sunday. The 29-year-old was active in the Week 10 win over the Chicago Bears but didn't play a single snap on offense after catching four passes for 41 yards the previous week in the loss to the Tennessee Titans. Bourne should be more involved on offense this weekend, but it doesn't mean that he's going to suddenly be on the fantasy radar. DeMario Douglas and Kayson Boutte will still likely be quarterback Drake Maye's favorite targets, with Bourne competing for targets alongside K.J. Osborn and rookie Ja'Lynn Polk as well. Bourne got a late start to the year due to injury and has just eight catches for 70 yards in five games.
Nov 15, 2024 12:20 PM EST
The Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan reports that New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne was informed on Saturday that he may not play on Sunday in Week 10 against the Chicago Bears as the coaching staff prioritizes playing time for their younger players, according to a source. Bourne had played 78 percent of the team's offensive snaps the last two games, but he was the only receiver not to see the field through the first five offensive drives, and he finished the 19-3 victory with no targets. In last week's overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans, Bourne had his best game of the season, catching four of six targets for 41 yards. The 29-year-old got a late start to the season due to injury and just hasn't regained any fantasy relevance in an offense that has struggled under both quarterbacks Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett.
Nov 10, 2024 6:24 PM EST
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne converted six targets into four catches for 41 yards during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Tennessee Titans. This was easily his best performance through four games this season. While the veteran helped contribute to a team effort, he might have also been boosting his stock on the trade market. Bourne's name has surfaced in trade rumors lately, and a four-catch, 41-yard showing might catch the attention of some rival teams prior to Tuesday's 4 p.m. trade deadline. For now, Bourne lacks significant fantasy appeal, but a trade could change that.
Nov 3, 2024 4:58 PM EST
New England Patriots wide receivers Kendrick Bourne (knee) and K.J. Osborn (shoulder) are active for Week 6 against the Houston Texans. Both players were listed as questionable after being limited in practice all week long. Bourne made his season debut last weekend, turning his lone target into a six-yard catch. He played just 27 percent of the offensive snaps, but that could have been a product of him playing in his first game of the year. He's likely headed for extra snaps in Week 6. Meanwhile, Osborn has seen his workload scaled back with the emergence of rookie Ja'Lynn Polk. He caught one pass on five targets when last active in Week 4. Even with Drake Maye taking over as the Patriots' quarterback, neither Bourne nor Osborn can be trusted in fantasy football given their respective roles behind Polk and Demario Douglas.
Oct 13, 2024 12:10 PM EST
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) is expected to play on Sunday according to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. Bourne opened the campaign on the PUP list and made his season debut last weekend against the Miami Dolphins. In this game, the 29-year-old logged only 15 total snaps, which was the lowest among New England wideouts. This week, Bourne was a limited participant during all three practice sessions. Fantasy managers should leave Bourne out of their lineups this weekend until he is able to emerge as a proven starter in the passing attack.
Oct 12, 2024 2:10 PM EST
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) is officially active for Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after the Patriots activated him from the PUP list on Saturday. Bourne tore his ACL during the middle of last season and hasn't played since then. At the time of his injury, he had been averaging 4.6 catches, 50.8 receiving yards, and 0.5 touchdowns per game. It's unclear if Bourne can return to his 2023 form in his first game back with the Patriots' offense struggling. However, at the very least, he should inject some much-needed life into a passing game starving for talent right now. He's worth monitoring in redraft leagues but can be left on fantasy waivers for the time being.
Oct 6, 2024 11:45 AM EST
The New England Patriots are activating wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) from the Physically Unable to Perform list on Saturday, and he will make his 2024 debut on Sunday in Week 5 against the division-rival Miami Dolphins, according to a source. Bourne and K.J. Osborn (shoulder) were both listed as questionable to play this weekend on Friday's final injury report. Bourne is returning after tearing his right ACL in Week 8 of 2023. Expect the Patriots to ease the 29-year-old into the fold this weekend, so he shouldn't be an option for fantasy lineups in his first game of 2024. But when he works his way back to a full workload, he could be one of quarterback Jacoby Brissett's top receiving options next to rookie Ja'Lynn Polk. Bourne's best season came in his first year in New England in 2021, when he caught 55 passes for 800 yards and five TDs. His fantasy upside will be limited in the Pats' weak offense.
Oct 5, 2024 1:26 PM EST
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Receiver K.J. Osborn (shoulder) missed his second straight day of practice. Bourne, who is still on the Physically Unable to Perform list, said he "feels good" and that his knee has responded well to being back at practice this week. The Patriots aren't rushing the 29-year-old pass-catcher back, so it feels unlikely that he'll be activated from the PUP list in time to make his 2024 debut this Sunday in the divisional contest versus the Miami Dolphins. When Bourne does return, he'll be battling for targets with Demario Douglas and rookie Ja'Lynn Polk mostly in a pretty punchless offense led by veteran QB Jacoby Brissett. Bourne's best year came in 2021, when he had a 55-800-5 line in 17 games. He's currently rostered in just 1% of Yahoo fantasy leagues.
Oct 3, 2024 10:22 PM EST
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) is expected to practice in Week 5 as he gets closer to returning from the PUP list, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Bourne is recovering from an ACL tear that abruptly ended his promising 2023 season. Through just eight games, he had caught 37 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns. That type of production put him on the fantasy radar as a FLEX play, but we're not sure he'll be able to replicate it when he returns this year given the state of New England's run-heavy offense led by Jacoby Brissett. Still, we can't discount the reliable, veteran presence he offers when on the field.
Sep 29, 2024 8:54 AM EST
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