Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Arian Smith

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.

Thursday, May 8, 8:14 AM

The New York Jets will get rookie wide receiver Arian Smith involved in "smoke routes and jet sweeps to utilize his speed early and ease him into the offense," according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Smith had an issue with drops at the University of Georgia, but his speed and playmaking ability are undeniable. During his senior season, he caught 48 passes for 817 yards and four touchdowns. The Jets' wide receiver depth chart is difficult to project at the moment, but the door remains open for Smith to surpass Malachi Corley and Tyler Johnson for the No. 4 receiver role to open the season. His role could grow even further if the Jets decide to trade wide receiver Allen Lazard to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which has been rumored as a possibility if Aaron Rodgers decides to don the black and gold.