Kendrick Bourne, a seasoned NFL wide receiver, recently made headlines when the New England Patriots released him following his request. This move concluded his five-year tenure with the team, which began in 2020 after a stint with the San Francisco 49ers. As of late August 2025, Bourne is a free agent, and his next destination remains uncertain.
Trade Attempts and Release
The Patriots initially included Bourne in their 53-man roster for the 2025 season. However, trade discussions with the Minnesota Vikings fell through, leading Bourne to request his release. The Patriots granted his request, allowing him to become a free agent immediately.
Following his release, several teams expressed interest in Bourne. The San Francisco 49ers, his former team, were particularly keen on re-signing him, viewing him as a valuable addition to their wide receiver corps .Niners Nation
Salary and Contract Details
In March 2024, Bourne signed a three-year, $19.5 million contract extension with the Patriots. The deal included $5.5 million guaranteed and a $4.2 million signing bonus. However, his release means that the Patriots will save over $10.9 million in cap space across the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with $1.56 million in dead cap remaining for 2025.
40-Yard Dash Time and Combine Metrics
At the 2017 NFL Combine, Bourne ran a 4.68-second 40-yard dash, placing him in the 10th percentile among wide receivers. Despite this, he showcased other athletic strengths, including a 34-inch vertical jump and a 125-inch broad jump, which contributed to his Relative Athletic Score of 4.94 out of 10.
PFF Grade and Performance Metrics
In the 2024 season, Bourne recorded 28 receptions for 305 yards and one touchdown over 12 games. While his Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade for that season is not available due to insufficient snaps, his performance metrics reflect his role as a reliable, if not explosive, contributor to the Patriots’ offense.
Career Stats Overview
Over his nine-year NFL career, Bourne has played in 111 games, amassing 292 receptions for 3,714 yards and 22 touchdowns. His most productive season came in 2021 with the Patriots, where he recorded 55 receptions for 800 yards and five touchdowns. In recent years, injuries have limited his contributions, with 2024 being a particularly challenging season.
Potential Landing Spots
Given his experience and previous success, several teams might consider adding Bourne to their roster:
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San Francisco 49ers: Bourne’s familiarity with the team’s system and his previous tenure with the 49ers make them a strong candidate for his next destination.
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Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have shown interest in veteran receivers to bolster their depth chart.
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Pittsburgh Steelers: With a need for experienced wideouts, the Steelers could be a potential fit.
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Washington Commanders: The Commanders have expressed interest in adding depth to their receiving corps and might consider Bourne as a viable option .
Conclusion
Kendrick Bourne’s release from the Patriots marks a significant turning point in his career. While injuries have impacted his recent performance, his extensive experience and leadership qualities make him an attractive option for teams seeking to strengthen their wide receiver group. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, it will be interesting to see where Bourne lands and how he contributes to his next team.
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