Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Arian Smith

Wednesday, August 27, 1:11 PM

The New England Patriots are releasing veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (foot) on Wednesday, sources tell Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Bourne requested to be released so that he can try to latch on with another team that doesn't have such a crowded receiving picture. The 30-year-old missed most of August with a foot injury, but he's healthy now and looking to contribute somewhere else in 2025. The former undrafted pass-catcher out of Eastern Washington spent the first four years of his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers, but it wasn't until he came to New England that he really blossomed as a receiver. Bourne had a career-best 55-800-5 line in 17 games (five starts) in 2021, but he dropped off considerably the following year and hasn't been the same after suffering an injury in 2023. It's possibly he'll look to reunite with the Niners, who could use the wideout depth.

Saturday, July 26, 10:05 PM

New York Jets wide receiver Arian Smith "is catching the eye of his teammates and coaches in training camp." The wideout, selected as the No. 110 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, finished his final collegiate season by amassing 817 yards and four touchdowns off 48 receptions. Since his arrival in New York, Smith has received praise because of his work ethic while having no issues "absorbing information." "He takes a lot of stuff in," said fellow wide receiver Josh Reynolds. "He is a good student and he transfers it to the field." Without question, Garrett Wilson is expected to remain the team's most productive receiver. However, it appears the No. 2 spot is up for grabs. While Smith may not see consistent playing time early on in the 2025 campaign, that could change if he continues to impress throughout training camp and during the season. Granted, Smith doesn't have any value in most redraft formats at the moment, but he's worth grabbing later in rookie drafts by those who can afford to be patient.