New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has yet to play a snap in 2024, and the team could trade him before he sees the field. Originally entering the league with the San Francisco 49ers, Bourne joined New England in 2021 and has been one of the few bright spots of the post-Brady Patriots. Bourne suffered a torn ACL midway through the 2023 season and re-signed with the club with the understanding that he’d need some time to get back on the field. The wide receiver started the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport recently tweeted that the wide receiver will return to practice in the coming days.
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
Unfortunately, Bourne’s return could be too little, too late for the New England Patriots. The team is currently 1-3, as journeyman quarterback Jacoby Brissett struggles to survive behind an atrocious offensive line. If the Patriots turn to rookie Drake Maye in 2024, they could keep Bourne as a reliable veteran. However, if they plan on sitting the UNC product for the duration of the season, then New England could trade Kendrick Bourne to a receiver-needy team like the New Orleans Saints or the Kansas City Chiefs.
Patriots Could Trade Kendrick Bourne to Saints, Chiefs
The New Orleans Saints are perhaps the unluckiest 2-2 team in the NFL. After destroying the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys in Weeks 1 and 2, the team dropped two heartbreaking losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons. This team might be 2-2, but they have the talent to go on a deep playoff run if they add the right pieces. Derek Carr is still playing well and a Kendrick Bourne trade could give this team the third option they so desperately need.
At his best, Bourne is an elusive, slippery player who excels at creating yards after the catch. The Saints need someone like this, as Chris Olave is more of a perimeter threat and Rashid Shaheed uses his speed to threaten defenses deep. Kendrick Bourne is an ideal trade target for this offense, as the veteran brings something unique to this offense. Additionally, first-year offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak should get the most out of the wide receiver, as both players originally made names for themselves with the San Francisco 49ers.
Rashee Rice Replacement
As of this posting, we do not know the severity of the Rashee Rice injury. However, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that it’s “not good“, so it’s safe to assume the wide receiver will miss quite a bit of time. Rice was easily Kansas City’s most reliable receiver prior to the injury, and Patrick Mahomes will struggle to get by without him. Tight end Travis Kelce isn’t as consistent as he used to be, veteran Marquise Brown is likely done for the season, and first-round pick Xavier Worthy isn’t ready to be a high-volume player right now. This team needs more weapons, and a Kendrick Bourne trade could be just what the doctor ordered.
Nobody is better at scheming players open than Andy Reid, which makes Kendrick Bourne an ideal trade target. Bourne excels at making players miss in space, and throwing him into Rice’s old role should allow Kansas City to keep comfortably moving the chains. Maybe this isn’t the Chiefs offense of old, but it will be enough to go on yet another deep playoff run.
Main Photo: Jasen Vinlove – USA Today Sports
