4 likeliest trade destinations for Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne

The New England Patriots may have received a shot in the arm when Drake Maye looked the part in his first NFL start, they are still a rebuilding team who will assuredly be selling off players as they try to retool their roster. Kendrick Bourne may be one veteran who could be playing elsewhere in a few weeks.

Bourne, who broke out in his 2021 debut with the Patriots, appears to have been passed on the depth chart by rookie Ja'Lynn Polk and former Day 3 speedster DeMario Douglas. Even after this changing of the guard, Bourne's ability to get open and make tough catches will appeal to teams who want a veteran presence in their locker room at the NFL Trade Deadline.

The Patriots will almost assuredly be shopping Bourne when the deadline starts to inch closer. These four teams might be in the market for Bourne, who still has a lot of juice left in the tank and could make magic happen for a good team.

4 likeliest trade destinations for New England Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne

4. New Orleans Saints

The Saints are starting to fall out of frame, and Dennis Allen is on the verge of losing his job. With Chris Olave banged up and Rashid Shaheed far from a No. 1 wide receiver, New Orleans may need to make a move like this quickly before things start to get too far out of hand.

3. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons may not be willing to send a ton of capital away to improve their wide receiver room, and Bourne could be a solid, cheap alternative to some of the bigger names already on the market. Atlanta should be able to slot in Bourne right away as their No. 3 wide receiver if they pull this off.

2. Detroit Lions

The Lions need one more playmaker at wide receiver, and Bourne can be had without breaking the bank. Detroit may need to make a defensive acquisition after the loss of Aidan Hutchinson, but Brad Holmes needs to keep an ear to the ground as he tries to find more help at wide receiver.

1. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens perpetually need wide receiver help, and the emergence of Zay Flowers as a high-end WR1 does not change that. Baltimore doesn't need to upset the apple cart and change their offensive structure, but they could use a solid veteran route-runner with quality hands like Bourne.