"There had to be an odd man out, and the oft-injured Bourne was one of them. The Patriots like the looks of their young receivers and brought in quality veterans in Diggs and Hollins this offseason. Even though Bourne had his best season in 2021 in working with Josh McDaniels, who was brought back to New England, a training camp injury put him further behind the eight-ball."
"In cutting the 30-year-old loose, the Patriots created $6.3 million in salary cap space. A reunion in San Francisco makes sense for Bourne, given the injuries the 49ers have at the wide receiver position. You have to wonder if the Patriots had kept Bourne, where he would've stacked up in terms of the depth chart. Diggs is the clear No. 1 wide receiver, even coming off a torn ACL."
The Patriots initially listed eight wide receivers when trimming to 53, but released Kendrick Bourne and Javon Baker to settle on six: Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Efton Chism III, and Kyle Williams. Bourne, age 30 and often injured, sought a fresh start and was accommodated. Cutting Bourne freed $6.3 million in salary cap space and opens the possibility of a reunion with the 49ers, who have receiver injuries. Stefon Diggs projects as the clear No. 1 despite a torn ACL. Douglas and Chism are expected to split slot duties, while Boutte has developed chemistry with Drake Maye. Bourne was regarded as a good teammate but was expendable due to age and injury history.
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