After spending the last three seasons with the New England Patriots, veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is staying put for the foreseeable future.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Bourne has reached an agreement with Patriots on a three-year contract on Sunday. The deal can be worth up to $33 million.
He became a free agent after he completed a three-year, $15 million deal he signed with the team in 2021 after beginning his career with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2017.
The news of Bourne's return comes as little surprise, as Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reported that the Patriots made him a contract offer before the start of free agency. Bourne also told ESPN's Mike Reiss in February that he hoped to stay in New England.
Callahan noted at the time that Bourne would have "strong interest" from other teams if he hit the open market, but he ultimately got his wish of remaining with the Patriots.
Bourne's 2023 campaign was cut short by a torn ACL suffered in Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins. Prior to going down, he recorded 37 catches for 406 yards and four touchdowns, and his average of 50.8 receiving yards per game was a career-high.
New England is hoping Bourne will continue performing at a high level when he returns to full health. The seven-year veteran should benefit the incoming rookie quarterback if the Patriots use their No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft to select one of the top prospects.
