Just ahead of the NFL’s legal tampering period, the New England Patriots and Kendrick Bourne reached an agreement on a significant three-year, $33 million deal, as initially reported by ESPN and corroborated by CBS Sports HQ Senior NFL Insider Josina Anderson.
Bourne, at 28, stands as a testament to NFL success. Rising from an undrafted rookie in 2017, he earned his place on the 49ers roster and played a pivotal role in their 2019 NFC championship journey.
Leveraging his accomplishments in San Francisco, Bourne secured two successive multiyear contracts with the Patriots. This new deal comes following the completion of his prior three-year, $15 million contract signed in March 2021.
In his inaugural season with the Patriots, Bourne showcased his capabilities by achieving career highs with 55 receptions, 800 yards, and five touchdowns. However, his performance tapered off in the subsequent years, partly attributed to inconsistent quarterbacking. Injuries further hampered Bourne’s impact, limiting him to just eight games in 2023.
Taking proactive steps to address their quarterbacking situation, the Patriots made a noteworthy move on Sunday by trading Mac Jones to the Jaguars in exchange for a sixth-round pick.
This transaction solidifies the Patriots’ intent to secure a quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming April draft. Among the potential candidates, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels emerges as a top contender, according to CBS Sports, trailing only USC’s Caleb Williams in the quarterback prospect rankings.
