'Dog House': Patriots Looking to Trade WR Kendrick Bourne?
The word from Foxboro is that the New England Patriots have turned the page on a disappointing last season. This is supposed to mean whatever problems or grudges held a season would be forgiven, as they get a "clean slate."
Yet it doesn't seem true for some inside the building. Rumors of a grudge being held against quarterback Mac Jones by head coach Bill Belichick continue to make their rounds in the media. While Bill Barnwell, an ESPN insider, suggests that wide receiver Kendrick Bourne could be on the trade block.
Barnwell calls both Bourne and co-receiver DeVante Parker as potential pieces the Patriots could move due to not playing on special teams and the view of them being "secondary and tertiary options" following this offseason's additions. It is a logical point, as being able to play special teams as a second or third-stringer is crucial. But Barnwell didn't stop there.
"Given how Bourne fell out of favor with the organization last season, I wonder whether the Patriots would consider moving him for help elsewher, like possible offensive line depth," ESPN writes. "Bourne is making a reasonable $5.5 million in 2023, none of which is guaranteed."
Reportedly issues between Bourne and the Patriots' offensive coaching staff led to him being in the "dog house." According to reports, Bourne's willingness to air his frustrations privately and publicly led to his role in the offense diminished as he lost favor with the staff.
Bourne recorded just 35 receptions for 435 yards and a touchdown last season, with a 41-yard catch against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 being his most explosive play. Bourne's second season was a huge let-down after a breakout year under Josh McDaniels, where he proved to be a playmaker. Bourne's 2021 season saw him put up career numbers, totaling 55 receptions for 800 yards and five touchdowns.
However, two years later, he is in danger of not even making the 53-man roster. While it is true the Patriots did make some upgrades on offense, adding proven pass-catchers in JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mike Gesiciki. There is still a place in the New England offense for Bourne.
With Jakobi Meyers no longer in New England, of the returning Pats' receivers, Bourne is arguably the most proven. He already shares familiarity and chemistry with Jones but also brings a diversified skill set. At his best, Bourne was a down-field target who created separation and high-point the football in the air. While also creating in the quick passing game on screens and slants.
Just look at these two plays from Bourne against the Cincinnatti Bengals last season:
The Patriots likely don't have a true No. 1 receiver and will rely on a rotation of guys to help them in the passing game. Bourne and Parker both fit the mold of the X-receiver who can handle one-on-one coverage outside the hashes. At the same time, Smith-Schuster can play opposite of them as the Z or in the slot. But if the Patriots want to play with two tight ends on the field, Gesicki would likely handle the slot, pushing Smith-Schuster to the outside.
Follow Patriots Country on Twitter and Facebook
Follow Harrison Reno on Twitter
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Patriots? Click Here
More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.
