The New England Patriots made life a little bit easier for quarterback Drake Maye when they selected wide receiver Kyle Williams early in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Williams looks like a promising prospect, as he’s an excellent separator and is dangerous after the catch – two traits that should mesh well with Maye’s style of play. However, his addition could come at the expense of veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.
Signed to a three-year, $19.5 million contract last year, Bourne struggled to return to form following his season-ending ACL injury in 2023. Now entering his age-30 season, Bourne is part of a crowded depth chart featuring Williams, veteran Stefon Diggs, and young playmakers in Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Javon Baker. Diggs, Douglas, and Kyle Williams aren’t going anywhere, and it’s probably too early for the Patriots to completely give up on Polk and Baker.
This likely leaves Bourne and Boutte fighting for one roster spot. Seeing as Boutte is the younger and cheaper player, it’s safe to assume he has the inside track to the roster spot. Kendrick Bourne may not be a superstar, but several teams should be willing to part ways with a conditional late-round pick for his services.
Patriots Could Trade Kendrick Bourne Following Kyle Williams Selection
Possible Suitors
San Francisco 49ers
Kendrick Bourne got his start with the 49ers, so it only makes sense for him to return to Kyle Shanahan’s squad. With Deebo Samuel in Washington and Brandon Aiyuk still recovering from his season-ending injury, the 49ers need a proven veteran who can support Brock Purdy and this passing attack. Jauan Jennings is a good chain-mover and first-round pick Ricky Pearsall showed some promise last year, but Shanahan has always preferred to have as many reliable weapons as possible in the passing attack.
Los Angeles Chargers
After effectively ignorning the position in free agency, the Los Angeles Chargers selected wide receiver Tre Harris in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Harris could be a key part of this offense, but the Chargers have Super Bowl aspirations and could use a proven threat to complement Ladd McConkey. Bourne is an ideal fit for the role, as his style of play meshes well with Jim Harbaugh’s offense. Following the Kyle Williams pick, the Patriots shouldn’t need much motivation to part ways with their veteran.
Kansas City Chiefs
Bourne is at his best after the catch, and the Chiefs have turned into a short-passing team in the past few seasons. With Rashee Rice recovering from his injury, the veteran wide receiver could take that role as Rice works his way back to full speed. Every win counts when there’s only one bye week in the playoffs, and Bourne could help win some close games early in the season.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have yet to address the wide receiver position as we enter the third day of the 2025 NFL Draft. CeeDee Lamb is great, but he can’t do it all by himself. Kendrick Bourne may not be the most exciting player in the world, but he’d be an upgrade on the 2024 version of Brandin Cooks.
Washington Commanders
After making the NFC Championship Game last year, the Washington Commanders should be all-in on the upcoming season. Kendrick Bourne won’t put up All-Pro numbers with Jayden Daniels, but he could be a great third option in what should be one of the game’s top passing attacks.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
