Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is reportedly returning to practice for the New England Patriots, but trade rumors are swirling as the team’s season struggles. With the Patriots facing significant challenges and a shaky start to the 2024 season, they could consider moving Bourne, a veteran presence, to acquire future assets or address other needs. His return to practice signals his readiness, but whether he’ll remain in New England or be traded as the team retools remains to be seen. Bourne has shown versatility, and a trade could attract teams in need of receiver depth.
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who has yet to play in the 2024 season, is set to return to practice soon, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Bourne, who joined the Patriots in 2021 after starting his career with the San Francisco 49ers, has been a standout during the Patriots’ challenging post-Tom Brady era. However, after suffering a torn ACL midway through the 2023 season, Bourne re-signed with New England knowing it would take time to fully recover.
Despite his return to practice, the Patriots may explore trading Bourne before he even sees game action this season. With the team struggling, they could look to move the veteran receiver in exchange for draft picks or players to help in other areas.
Other players set to return to practice this week: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Odell Beckham Jr, Kendrick Bourne, Kendre Miller, D.J. Chark.
Several others on the PUP list or IR will return to practice in the weeks following this one. https://t.co/3cxFtKZWRV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 29, 2024
Kendrick Bourne’s anticipated return may not be enough to salvage the New England Patriots’ tough start to the 2024 season. With the team sitting at 1-3, quarterback Jacoby Brissett is struggling behind a weak offensive line, limiting the offense’s potential. If the Patriots draft highly-touted rookie quarterback Drake Maye in 2024, they could decide to keep Bourne as a dependable veteran target to help ease the transition for the young QB. However, if they choose to sit Maye for the season to develop him behind the scenes, the Patriots might consider trading Bourne to a receiver-needy team, such as the New Orleans Saints or Kansas City Chiefs, who could benefit from his experience and playmaking ability.
Bourne’s value as a seasoned receiver could be appealing to contending teams looking to bolster their depth, making a trade likely if the Patriots shift focus to rebuilding.
Patriots Could Trade Kendrick Bourne to Saints, Chiefs
The New Orleans Saints, despite their 2-2 record, have the potential to be one of the stronger teams in the NFL if they make the right additions. After dominant wins over the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys, the team suffered close losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons. Derek Carr is still playing solid football, but the Saints could use another offensive weapon to take the next step, making Kendrick Bourne an ideal trade target.
Bourne’s elusiveness and ability to generate yards after the catch would add a dynamic element to the Saints’ offense. With Chris Olave serving as a perimeter threat and Rashid Shaheed stretching defenses with his speed, Bourne could thrive as a versatile, underneath option. His skill set complements New Orleans’ current receivers, and he brings unique attributes that would fill a void in the Saints’ offense. Additionally, the connection between first-year offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and Bourne—both of whom developed their careers with the San Francisco 49ers—could lead to a smooth integration into the system.
If the Saints want to make a deep playoff push, acquiring Bourne could provide the offensive spark they need.
Rashee Rice Replacement
With Rashee Rice’s injury casting uncertainty over the Kansas City Chiefs’ wide receiver corps, a potential Kendrick Bourne trade could provide the offensive firepower they desperately need. Head coach Andy Reid hinted that Rice’s injury “isn’t good,” which could mean an extended absence for one of Kansas City’s most reliable pass-catchers. This leaves Patrick Mahomes with a thinner supporting cast, as veteran tight end Travis Kelce has become less consistent, Marquise Brown is likely out for the season, and first-round pick Xavier Worthy isn’t ready for a high-volume role just yet.
Bourne would fit seamlessly into Andy Reid’s offense, which excels at scheming players open and maximizing their strengths. Bourne’s ability to make defenders miss and create yards after the catch would allow him to step into Rice’s role, keeping the Chiefs’ offense humming. While this may not replicate the explosive Kansas City offenses of the past, Bourne’s addition could help the team stay efficient and maintain its push for another deep playoff run. His skill set would be invaluable as Mahomes looks to navigate through the remainder of the season with a depleted receiving corps.
