Kendrick Bourne is ready to turn the page and write a new chapter in New England — one that he hopes mirrors the success he found in 2021. With offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels back in Foxboro, the veteran wide receiver is eyeing a return to form after a few uneven seasons since his breakout year.
Bourne joined the Patriots as a free agent in 2021 and quickly became a standout in McDaniels’ offensive scheme. He posted career highs with 55 receptions, 800 receiving yards, and five touchdowns, proving to be one of the most reliable targets in the Patriots’ arsenal. That success, however, was short-lived. After McDaniels left to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, Bourne’s role diminished and his production dipped.
Now, with McDaniels back in the fold as the offensive coordinator, Bourne is feeling a renewed sense of optimism — and familiarity.
“Just to see him has been awesome. Definitely picking up where we left off has been great,” Bourne said during a media session on Tuesday. “I’m very familiar with him, and he’s familiar with me. So, it’s just an honor to be back with him. We know his history and everything he’s done.”
That chemistry could be a key factor for Bourne as he works to re-establish himself in a Patriots offense that looks very different from 2021. Gone are head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Mac Jones. In their place, new leadership is setting the tone, and a crowded receiver room presents plenty of competition.
Still, Bourne isn’t approaching this reunion with the assumption that success will come easy. He acknowledges that each season brings its own set of challenges and that he must earn his place all over again.
“I had my best year under him… but I’m not banking on that,” Bourne admitted. “I work every year. Every year’s different. Coming into the year with that mentality but understanding that relationships are big in this league. And if I can build off of that, it will help me in whatever area that is to be better.”
For Bourne, that relationship with McDaniels could be the difference-maker. He knows the playbook, understands the expectations, and feels confident in how he fits into the system.
“I love his offense. I’m familiar with it. I just kind of know where I fit in, plug and play, different things,” he said. “I just try to excel at what he wants me to do.”
As the Patriots undergo a transformation with new leadership and a fresh identity, Kendrick Bourne’s established connection with McDaniels could be a stabilizing force. If he can channel the energy and execution of 2021, Bourne may once again emerge as a pivotal piece in New England’s offensive puzzle.
