Kendrick Bourne makes big declaration about the Patriots 2024 season

The Patriots' receiving corps might not be the most exciting in the NFL, but the vibe the new regime has brought to Foxboro has them buying into and hyping up the 2024 season, with veteran Kendrick Bourne leading the charge.

The receiver was one of the priorities to extend this offseason for Eliot Wolf, and he will now remain with the team through the 2026 season.

He has been a sneaky good signing since joining the team in 2021 and was on pace to have another standout year in 2023, only for his efforts to be cut short due to a season-ending injury in Week 8 against the Dolphins.

Now that he's well on his way to getting back to normal after his ACL tear, Bourne is setting high goals for the season ahead. With two rookie receivers in the mix and a young quarterback looking to make a mark in the NFL, Bourne might have a new role in the offense this fall, and he's hoping that's the case.

Kendrick Bourne makes big declaration about the Patriots 2024 season

Since signing with the Patriots in 2021, Bourne has already recorded the best season of his seven-year career and was on pace to beat that last season before suffering a season-ending injury.

Besides the down year in 2022, which was a chaotic time in Foxboro for the entire team, he's been a consistent contributor and vocal part of the offense, which he wants to continue this fall now that he's received a contract extension.

Bourne posted a video to his social media last week outlining his hopes for the season ahead and declaring his desire to be named captain for the first time in his career. Given the state of the offense and the need for a veteran to lead it, it seems like he is likely to be awarded that title.

"I'm trying to be a captain this year. The way I got to do it is being present every day. Going to OTAs, being on time, leading the guys, talking, being vocal. Always leading by example, but I think the difference is being vocal. Vocal leaders --they're kind of uncommon to be able to talk in front of the team and lead, but you've got to lead by example, too. You can't just be a talker. So, doing both… I’m really locked in.

I just got my second contract, so it’s a blessing. I'm doing the right things, so now, more for me, it's just being more vocal. Talking to them, motivating them, pushing them. I've been pushed by people all of my life by good people in my life. Just giving it back, bro!"

With a positive attitude and infectious energy, Bourne has the potential to be a great captain under the new regime. He's clearly reenergized and believes in his teammates and coaches, which is exactly the mindset a captain will need as the Patriots navigate through a rebuild.

Whether or not he will be voted as such is yet to be seen, but his status and optimism, which easily rubs off on his teammates, could be the underlying factor for why he will.

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