'Bring Me Back!': New England Patriots Receiver Wants Foxboro Return
While some New England Patriots players are seemingly making it known they do not wish to be brought back after the conclusion of the disastrous 4-12 season, others, like receiver Kendrick Bourne, have publicly stated they'd like to return to Foxboro.
As the 28-year-old's three-year contract ends with him on the sidelines due to a torn ACL, Bourne gave his first hint of where his head is regarding this offseason's upcoming free agency period.
“Miss ya dog,” Bourne wrote in the comments of an Instagram post from fellow Patriots receiver DeMario Douglas. “Make the Patriots bring me back!”
Oct 29, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
"Hint" may not be the right word to describe Bourne's public statement regarding his expiring contract. Rather, it seems Bourne did not beat around the bush and was very direct in making it known that he is open to signing a contract extension.
A contract extension would certainly continue the rollercoaster that has been the last three years for Bourne and the Patriots. After signing with the Patriots before the 2021 season, he emerged as a dynamic playmaker within the New England offense.
And despite his first year inspiring optimism for Bourne becoming a reliable option at receiver, his second season in Foxboro did quite the opposite. Under the direction of then-play-caller Matt Patricia, Bourne was put in the "doghouse," as he totaled just 35 receptions for 434 yards and a touchdown.
Yet, in true rollercoaster fashion, there is a period of ascent for every descent, which he found in his eight appearances this season before suffering his season-ending knee injury. In just half the games from the season prior, Bourne was on his way to surpassing his down year, totaling 406 yards and four touchdowns on 37 receptions.
With the Patriots potentially looking to draft a new franchise quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft, it couldn't help to have a proven veteran receiver like Bourne already on the roster. After all, Bourne's best season did come with then-rookie quarterback Mac Jones under center.
However, a big question surrounding Bourne's future in Foxboro is his recovery from the torn ACL. If the Patriots have doubts about him being able to return to the player he was, then it doesn't seem likely he'll return. But if the opposite is true and the money is right, then it shouldn't be a surprise if the two work out an extension.
