Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Saquon Barkley

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.

Tuesday, March 4, 2:27 PM

The Philadelphia Eagles are signing running back Saquon Barkley to a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. This deal makes Barkley the first-ever $20 million per year ball-carrier and locks him in through the 2027 campaign. The former New York Giants' No. 2 overall pick dominated in his first season with Philly, racking up 2,005 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns in 16 games. His new deal includes $36 million in total guarantees, and he can earn up to an additional $15 million in incentives and escalators. The 28-year-old's new deal could signal a market increase for running backs moving forward after the position became devalued over the last half-decade.