The New England Patriots are dealing with a tough decision regarding their wide receiver group, which is quite crowded. According to reports from Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay, veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne might be at risk of being cut from the team. Bourne is approaching his 30th birthday and is set to earn a base salary of $5.5 million.
If the Patriots decide to release him, they would gain $6.3 million in cap relief, while only incurring a $1.4 million dead cap hit. This move would likely make room for other talented wide receivers on the roster. With the team’s current depth chart and Bourne’s salary, it’s possible the Patriots might consider this option to manage their roster and cap space more effectively.
The New England Patriots have a fierce competition brewing among their wide receivers, with nine players vying for a limited number of roster spots. Kendrick Bourne, a veteran wideout, finds himself in a precarious position, being one of the most vulnerable players in this crowded group.
With his eighth NFL season approaching, Bourne’s recent performance has been underwhelming. Last year, he managed just 305 yards and one touchdown on 28 receptions, marking his least productive season since his rookie year. This dip in performance, combined with the intense competition for roster spots, puts Bourne’s position with the team in jeopardy.
The New England Patriots might consider releasing Kendrick Bourne due to his $5.5 million base salary for 2025. By cutting him, they’d gain $6.3 million in cap savings, with a relatively small $1.4 million dead-cap hit. This financial move makes sense, especially considering the team’s investment in younger, more cost-efficient receivers. While Bourne’s experience could benefit the team’s younger receivers, the Patriots might prioritize upgrading quarterback Drake Maye’s supporting cast.
With emerging talents like Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, and third-round pick Kyle Williams, the team has promising young receivers who could take on more significant roles. As training camp approaches, Bourne will likely need to demonstrate his value to secure his spot on the roster. If not, he might be one of the team’s early offseason cap casualties. However, Bourne’s veteran experience and skills could still be valuable to another team looking to bolster their wide receiver room.
