Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Rome Odunze

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 6, 8:44 AM

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze had a disappointing game in Sunday's 24-22 win over the Green Bay Packers. The rookie receiver struggled for productivity, as he had only two receptions for 18 yards on the day. The game marked Odunze's eighth game this season with two or fewer receptions as he capped his rookie campaign with his second straight game with under 20 yards receiving. The 22-year-old receiver had an up-and-down season, finishing the year with 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns across 17 games. Depending on who the Bears bring in to call the shots, though, Odunze may enter the 2025 season with a leap forward to a solid second option for the Bears.