New England Patriots' Kendrick Bourne Admits NFL Trade Deadline 'On My Mind'
With the New England Patriots looking increasingly likely to be heading toward a rebuild this offseason after the franchise's worst start to a season since 1995, rumors of being sellers will only grow.
Despite the 1-5 start the Patriots still have plenty of valuable players on their roster that could command interest from teams around the league, including lead receiver Kendrick Bourne.
“[The trade deadline will] Definitely be on my mind,” Bourne said on Wednesday about a potential trade. “But just being ready for whatever, man. I wanna be here. I’d love to be here. But if there’s other plans, then it is what it is. But just focusing every day on what I gotta do and the task at hand. I think I’m in a good place."
Oct 8, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) runs with the ball during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium.
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
This isn't the first time that the 28-year-old has had his name thrown in the rumor mill regarding a trade. Just last season, Bourne was seen as a potential trade piece for the Patriots as reports had detailed that he had fallen out of favor with then de facto offensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
However, obviously Bourne never did end up being trade elsewhere after reportedly being in the "doghouse." Yet that is no longer the case with Bill O'Brien in charge of the offense, as the sixth-year veteran looks to be on pace to potentially match his production from his first season in New England (2021) under then coordinator Josh McDaniel.
Bourne currently leads the Patriots in receiving with 307 yards and two touchdowns on 28 receptions through six games, making him a lone bright spot in a passing game that has lacked explosiveness.
So why would the Patriots trade away their most dependable weapon so far this season?
Any deal involving Bourne would likely come down to the Patriots having an opportunity to receive draft compensation in return. If a rebuild is the rout that the Patriots' front office is looking at for the offseason, nothing is quite as valuable as NFL Draft capital.
