Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Tre'Quan 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.

Tuesday, October 3, 5:21 PM

The Denver Broncos signed free-agent wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith (groin) to their practice squad on Tuesday and waived cornerback Essang Bassey and released wide receiver Michael Bandy from the practice squad in corresponding moves. Smith began the season on Injured Reserve with the New Orleans Saints due to a groin injury he suffered in training camp, but he's apparently healthy now and will have another opportunity in Denver as he reunites with his former head coach Sean Payton. The 27-year-old remains well off the fantasy radar for now. In his five seasons with the Saints since 2018, Smith has put up 131 receptions (196 targets) for 1,764 yards and 18 touchdowns in 66 games (35 starts). He had just 19 catches for 278 yards and one score in 15 games (six starts) in 2022.