Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Richie James

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.

Monday, January 8, 2:25 AM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Richie James caught each of his two targets for 15 yards as the team managed a narrow 13-12 road victory in Sunday's regular-season finale. With top wideout Rashee Rice getting Week 18 off, James stepped in as a fixture in three-receiver sets for the Chiefs. On a day where quarterback Blaine Gabbert only passed for 154 yards, however, James was unable to get much very going. The offense ran through La'Mical Perine on the ground and Mecole Hardman Jr. through the air, with the latter getting peppered with 11 targets in the win. James cracked 100 yards for the campaign in this one, but it was a disappointing outcome for those who took a shot in the dark on him in DFS tournaments. The 28-year-old veteran will not be a big component of the passing game when K.C. kicks off the postseason with a Wild Card battle against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday.