Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or KhaDarel Hodge

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.

Sunday, January 5, 7:53 AM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge should not be considered a playable option despite a possible opportunity Sunday against Carolina. With the Falcons unlikely to have wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder), the Falcons have an opening, but the journeyman receiver hasn't been reliable enough to count on in Week 18. Earlier this year, he one catch against Dallas despite playing 81% of offensive snaps. Hodge has just one catch in the past five weeks total, a rookie quarterback in Michael Penix Jr., and a solid Atlanta running game that figures to be the central part of the gameplan on Sunday. Managers in formats that play Week 18 have better options elsewhere.