The New Era In New England Starts To Form
The New England Patriots are in more than just rebuilding mode, coming off of a distinctly unimpressive 4-13 season; they are in complete reformulation mode.
The whole building, from coaching staff to front office, seems to have made a distinct commitment to erasing the old, “toxic” culture after legendary head coach, Bill Belichick’s ultra-successful reign turned sour after the departure of 7 x Super Bowl champion and GOAT, Tom Brady.
Stating a clear intent for a collaborative process, the Patriots are yet to officially announce a general manager, instead; ironically, in a very Belichick-ian move – they have appointed Director of Scouting, Elliot Wolf (son of Super Bowl winning general manager, Ron Wolf) as “decision maker” or, essentially, de facto GM – a role Belichick held for over a decade in New England.
Patriots Beginning To Shape Their Roster For The Future
After walking back a somewhat over-eager line that the Patriots were ready to “burn some cash” in free agency this year, sitting with the 3rd most salary cap space in the NFL at $72 million.
Now, it seems like the cash is starting to be burned, as top slot receiver, Kendrick Bourne, has been signed to a 3 year extension, per Adam Schefter.
WR Kendrick Bourne is re-signing a three-year deal worth up to $33 million with the New England Patriots, per his agent @henryorgann at @disruptivesport. Bourne is coming off a torn ACL that he suffered last season. pic.twitter.com/4eq8JGxOAP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
New England Patriots Making A Commitment To Yet Another One Of Their Starting Receiving Corps
This is not necessarily a shocking move, but perhaps a little surprising given both Bourne’s recent injury history – he is coming off a torn ACL suffered in October of last year – although, at the time of injury, he was New England’s leading receiver with 406 yards across the first 8 games of the season.
However, given DeVante Parker’s contract extension last June, and the rise of rookie slot talent, Demario Douglas, Bourne’s role feels somewhat nullified – especially as the Patriots are heavily rumored to be pursuing an elite, #1 receiver to bolster their dirth of top end receiving talent.
This is now the New England Patriots’ 3rd major personnel move of the Jerod Mayo/post Bill Belichick era, following the Mac Jones trade and the release of veterans Lawrence Guy and Adrian Phillips.
Let’s hope that Bourne is able to return to his pre injury form, and form and interesting dual slot tandem with Demario Douglas, and get this offense finally rolling for the first time in 3 years.
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