Who Should I Start? Demarcus Robinson or Kendrick Bourne

Friday, June 13, 12:08 PM

It sounds like San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson took advantage of Brandon Aiyuk (knee), Jauan Jennings (calf) and Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) sitting out of offseason workouts this spring. The 30-year-old filled in nicely as the reliable veteran, according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows. Robinson isn't flashy but is well-versed in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense after spending the last two years with the Los Angeles Rams, which made him a frequent and trusted target for quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Mac Jones during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. The former fourth-rounder (126th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016 out of Florida is basically an insurance policy for Aiyuk this year. While he's getting extra reps now with three starting wideouts sidelined, Robinson isn't likely to see the field enough during the regular season as long as Jennings and Pearsall are ready for Week 1.

Saturday, February 22, 12:03 PM

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.