Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Allen Lazard

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.

Tuesday, March 4, 1:17 PM

The New York Jets have given permission to veteran wide receiver Allen Lazard to seek a trade, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Jets are also open to bringing Lazard back in 2025 if he cannot find a trade partner. The 29-year-old probably won't have a robust trade market and is still more likely to be cut by the Jets after they overpaid for him on a four-year, $44 million deal prior to the 2023 season, mainly because he's best buddies with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Lazard had a mere 23 catches for 311 yards and one touchdown in 14 games in 2023 before going for a 37-530-6 line in 12 games in his second season last year. Especially because of the fact that quarterback Aaron Rodgers won't be back in 2025, Lazard will probably be on the move as well and could team up with Rodgers yet again, wherever he goes. The drop-prone wideout is unlikely to be a fantasy factor this fall.