08-27-2025, 04:41 PM
A Sudden End: The Patriots Release Kendrick Bourne After He Requests His Release
A Sudden End: The Patriots Release Kendrick Bourne After He Requests His Release is the top headline in today's NFL news cycle, as veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has been released by the New England Patriots. The news comes less than 24 hours after he was surprisingly included on the team's initial 53-man roster. According to multiple sources, including a report from NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Bourne requested the move, seeking a "fresh start" after missing most of training camp with a lower-leg injury. The dramatic turn of events signals the end of his three-plus-year tenure in Foxborough and sets the stage for Bourne to find a new team.
The Unprecedented Sequence of Events 🔄
The decision to cut Bourne is a major shock to the Patriots' wide receiver room and a rare move in the NFL. On Tuesday, Bourne was a part of a crowded group of eight wide receivers who made the initial 53-man roster, a decision that surprised many analysts given his injury status. Bourne had not practiced since early August after suffering a lower-leg injury, and his absence raised questions about whether he would make the team at all. The Patriots' choice to keep him seemed to be a sign of faith, or perhaps a tactical move to use him as trade bait.
However, the situation quickly changed. Reports emerged today that Bourne was the one who initiated the release, making it clear to the team that he wanted to move on. The Patriots, who were reportedly fielding trade inquiries for the veteran, decided to honor his request, releasing him outright. This means the Patriots will get nothing in return for a player who, in 2021, was one of their most productive offensive weapons. For a more detailed look at his stats and contract, you can visit Spotrac.
A Tale of Two Tenures in New England
Bourne's time with the Patriots was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. After signing with the team in 2021, he had a breakout season, posting career-highs with 55 receptions for 800 yards and five touchdowns. His electrifying play and infectious personality quickly made him a fan favorite and a key part of the Patriots' offense. He was seen as a versatile weapon who could make plays both as a receiver and as a gadget player.
However, his production and role diminished in the following seasons. Injuries and a shifting offensive philosophy under different coordinators hampered his effectiveness. Bourne's 2023 season was cut short by a torn ACL, and this summer's lower-leg injury has kept him off the field since the start of training camp. With the arrival of new receivers like Stefon Diggs and the emergence of rookie standouts, Bourne's future with the team was in doubt even before his injury. You can see a breakdown of his full career stats on NFL.com.
A New Chapter: Potential Landing Spots 🏈
Now a free agent, Bourne is free to sign with any team. His status as a proven, albeit recently-injured, veteran wide receiver is expected to draw interest from several teams. The San Francisco 49ers, his former team, have been mentioned as a possible destination, as a reunion would be a sentimental and strategic fit for the team. Other teams with needs at the wide receiver position, such as the Minnesota Vikings, were reportedly interested in a trade for Bourne before his release.
Bourne’s future will depend on his medical clearance and which team is willing to take a chance on a 30-year-old receiver with a history of injuries. For a rundown on potential landing spots and the impact of his release, you can read this analysis from CBS Sports.
This sudden and unexpected development marks the end of an era for both Bourne and the Patriots. It's a poignant reminder of the business side of the NFL, where even a popular player's tenure can end on a surprising note.
#KendrickBourne #Patriots #NFL #NewEnglandPatriots #NFLNews #Football #PatriotsNation #Pats #FreeAgent #NFLCuts
A Sudden End: The Patriots Release Kendrick Bourne After He Requests His Release is the top headline in today's NFL news cycle, as veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has been released by the New England Patriots. The news comes less than 24 hours after he was surprisingly included on the team's initial 53-man roster. According to multiple sources, including a report from NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Bourne requested the move, seeking a "fresh start" after missing most of training camp with a lower-leg injury. The dramatic turn of events signals the end of his three-plus-year tenure in Foxborough and sets the stage for Bourne to find a new team.
The Unprecedented Sequence of Events 🔄
The decision to cut Bourne is a major shock to the Patriots' wide receiver room and a rare move in the NFL. On Tuesday, Bourne was a part of a crowded group of eight wide receivers who made the initial 53-man roster, a decision that surprised many analysts given his injury status. Bourne had not practiced since early August after suffering a lower-leg injury, and his absence raised questions about whether he would make the team at all. The Patriots' choice to keep him seemed to be a sign of faith, or perhaps a tactical move to use him as trade bait.
However, the situation quickly changed. Reports emerged today that Bourne was the one who initiated the release, making it clear to the team that he wanted to move on. The Patriots, who were reportedly fielding trade inquiries for the veteran, decided to honor his request, releasing him outright. This means the Patriots will get nothing in return for a player who, in 2021, was one of their most productive offensive weapons. For a more detailed look at his stats and contract, you can visit Spotrac.
A Tale of Two Tenures in New England
Bourne's time with the Patriots was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. After signing with the team in 2021, he had a breakout season, posting career-highs with 55 receptions for 800 yards and five touchdowns. His electrifying play and infectious personality quickly made him a fan favorite and a key part of the Patriots' offense. He was seen as a versatile weapon who could make plays both as a receiver and as a gadget player.
However, his production and role diminished in the following seasons. Injuries and a shifting offensive philosophy under different coordinators hampered his effectiveness. Bourne's 2023 season was cut short by a torn ACL, and this summer's lower-leg injury has kept him off the field since the start of training camp. With the arrival of new receivers like Stefon Diggs and the emergence of rookie standouts, Bourne's future with the team was in doubt even before his injury. You can see a breakdown of his full career stats on NFL.com.
A New Chapter: Potential Landing Spots 🏈
Now a free agent, Bourne is free to sign with any team. His status as a proven, albeit recently-injured, veteran wide receiver is expected to draw interest from several teams. The San Francisco 49ers, his former team, have been mentioned as a possible destination, as a reunion would be a sentimental and strategic fit for the team. Other teams with needs at the wide receiver position, such as the Minnesota Vikings, were reportedly interested in a trade for Bourne before his release.
Bourne’s future will depend on his medical clearance and which team is willing to take a chance on a 30-year-old receiver with a history of injuries. For a rundown on potential landing spots and the impact of his release, you can read this analysis from CBS Sports.
This sudden and unexpected development marks the end of an era for both Bourne and the Patriots. It's a poignant reminder of the business side of the NFL, where even a popular player's tenure can end on a surprising note.
#KendrickBourne #Patriots #NFL #NewEnglandPatriots #NFLNews #Football #PatriotsNation #Pats #FreeAgent #NFLCuts