It was clear before the offseason even began that the Patriots would add a few wide receivers to their roster, with the hope of signing some of the top talent that was set to become available. That immediately put those already on the team at risk, no matter who was signed, especially with a new head coach in charge with no loyalties to anyone.
Because the receiving corps has been widely considered unimpressive, it's not surprising to suggest that many would be put in the hot seat and need to prove their value throughout training camp and the preseason, even more so when you consider how poorly the group performed as a unit during the 2025 season.
Now that a player like Stefon Diggs has been signed, some of the players who might have been on the chopping block beforehand are at greater risk, and it seems that one specific veteran is facing the rockiest road of all.
Stefon Diggs' signing immediately puts the Patriots' wide receivers on notice
There is a lot of doubt surrounding the futures of a few receivers on the Patriots this offseason, with Kayshon Boutte and Ja'Lynn Polk leading the charge. By all accounts so far, fellow 2024 draft pick Javon Baker is well-liked by the new regime, so he might be safe unless he fails to show any improvement this spring.
Besides the younger players, there is an increasing chance that a guy like Kendrick Bourne might be dealt the toughest hand and will have to work harder to keep his job, despite being the most experienced player of the group.
The former 49er impressed during his first season in New England in 2021, recording 55 receptions for 800 yards and five touchdowns. He led the team, along with Jakobi Meyers, and looked to be among the best free agent signings by Bill Belichick in recent years.
A lot of that promise has since plummeted, with some blame reasonably attributed to the chaotic 2022 season, which featured an offense led by Matt Patricia, along with several coaching changes and even a quarterback change. That has led to Bourne recording just 100 receptions for 1,145 yards and six touchdowns in the three years since.
He missed half of the 2023 season due to an ACL injury and played in just 12 games last year, so that is certainly worth remembering. But he will have to show he can be that 2021 player again, or he might find himself on the outside looking in.
While it's fair to say that if he doesn't live up to that potential, the Patriots should consider cutting him; losing another solid veteran with a great locker room presence isn't ideal. It's especially not when a lot of pressure will be taken off Bourne's back due to the addition of Diggs and the expectation of another rookie joining the team next month.
That doesn't include the hopeful second-year jumps from Baker and Polk, as well as for Boutte, who showed a lot of promise last season with more opportunities. Even more notable is the addition of Mack Hollins, who will also contribute in some capacity, thereby relieving Bourne of additional work.
All of this just makes for an even more interesting offseason, with one of the most improved positions leading the way as the one to follow closely throughout the summer.