Will The Patriots Release Kendrick Bourne? Fantasy Football Outlook

The New England Patriots are in a difficult situation as they prepare for the upcoming 2023 NFL season. The competition within the AFC was tough enough in 2022, and entering 2023, it has only become tougher.

Top-echelon teams like the Bills, Chiefs, and Dolphins all got stronger, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, which is a scary proposition for the Pats. They must keep pace, and as we speak, they're trying to do just that.

The wide receiver position has been one of the team's glaring weaknesses the last few seasons, and there are questions surrounding the roster makeup as training camp approaches. One key decision revolves around wideout Kendrick Bourne. Will he play a significant role in 2023, or will he be released? Let's dive in and find an answer.

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Will The Patriots Release Kendrick Bourne?

Former San Francisco WR and current Patriot Bourne has been on the outside looking in for quite some time in New England. Last year, under the old offensive coordinator Matt Patricia, Bourne was never featured as a primary target for quarterback Mac Jones.

The speedy pass catcher seems to have all the tools to make a productive and efficient fantasy player and team contributor, yet his skill set has been underutilized, perhaps until now. The new OC, Bill O'Brien, already has players believing this year will be different, and changes will be made. Does that mean that Bourne will be a focal point of his new scheme, or will he be outright released by the team?

Head coach Bill Belichick has never had any hesitation in releasing players that many others would consider valuable pieces. This year may be no different, and it wouldn't be shocking if Bourne was cut before the season begins in September. Many factors will play into this decision, however, one of which, is the current pursuit of superstar WR DeAndre Hopkins. If Hopkins is brought in, the likelihood of a Bourne release grows significantly.

If Kendrick Bourne Remains A Patriot What Is His Fantasy Football Value?

In 2022, Bourne caught 35 passes for 434 yards and one touchdown. Not exactly numbers that scream: "Fantasy Football Monster." One season prior, in 2021, the 27-year-old had the best and most productive campaign of his career when he caught 55 balls for 800 yards and a career-high five touchdowns.

If Hopkins is signed by the team, Bourne's fantasy value will be slim to none. D-Hop is a target machine and he will demand most of the attention along with the Patriots' two tight ends, Hunter Henry, and Mike Gesicki. However, if he is not waived and plays a larger role in O'Brien's new offensive game plan, it's very possible Bourne could offer significant value in PPR leagues in 2023.

The undrafted receiver out of Eastern Washington University has been a solid NFL WR since coming into the league in 2017. He offers all the skills needed to help both an NFL team and your fantasy roster. With that said, being a New England Patriot historically means that unless your name is Tom Brady or Randy Moss, or even Rhamondre Stevenson, the likelihood of becoming fantasy-relevant annually remains very low.

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