Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Zach Wilson

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, 10:29 AM

Denver Broncos impending free-agent quarterback Zach Wilson figures to draw interest on the free-agent market this offseason as a player who could compete for a starting spot in training camp, according to The Athletic's Nick Kosmider. Wilson worked as Denver's third-stringer in 2024, but he's only 25 years old and has five years of NFL experience. In addition to Wilson, Jarrett Stidham is also a free agent, and Kosmider doesn't envision both QBs returning to back up Bo Nix for a second straight year. The Broncos would be interested in having one of Wilson/Stidham back in 2025 to back up Nix, though. Kosmider predicts the Broncos will re-sign Stidham on a one- or two-year deal and add a developmental QB prospect on Day 3 of the NFL draft or through college free agency. If Wilson leaves Denver, he'll most likely settle into a backup role somewhere else.