Bourne joins remade Pats pass-catching corps

The Patriots signed WR Kendrick Bourne to a 3-year, $22.5 million contract, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Bourne spent the past 4 years in San Francisco and is coming off his best season as a pro -- but one that still amounted to just 49 catches for 667 yards and 2 scores. He might find a bit more opportunity in New England but still seems unlikely to emerge as a real fantasy asset. The Patriots have now added Bourne, WR Nelson Agholor and TE Jonnu Smith to their pass-catching corps on the 1st day of free agency. That doesn't bode well for WR Julian Edelman, who's uncertain for 2021, or WR N'Keal Harry. WR Jakobi Meyers' stock has also taken a hit today.

Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne caught 6 of 9 targets for 100 yards and a TD in Saturday's loss to the Bengals. He led the team in all 3 categories (tying Jakobi Meyers in receptions) and added a 29-yard carry. Bourne did all that despite trailing Meyers and rookie WR Tyquan Thornton in playing time and routes, according to Pro Football Focus. Meyers posted a 6-83-1 receiving line on 7 targets, though he inflated that with a 48-yard TD on a ball that was intended for WR Scotty Washington but bounced to Meyers off Washington's hands. Meyers did lead the team in pass routes, though, which makes him easier to like for a Week 17 clash with the Dolphins. Thornton finished with just 1 catch for 8 yards among 3 targets. QB Mac Jones threw for 240 yards and 2 TDs in the game.

Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne (toe) is inactive for tonight's game with the Bears. This doesn't have much fantasy impact but does, at least, leave a few WR snaps on the field for others.

Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne left in the 1st half of Sunday's game vs. the Browns with a toe injury. He's officially questionable to return. Stay tuned for an update.

The Athletic's Chad Graff lists WR Kendrick Bourne as a "faller" and WR Nelson Agholor as a "riser." Graff believes Bourne is now behind Jakobi Meyers, DeVante Parker and Agholor on the depth chart. Agholor "has been the Patriots’ best wide receiver in most practices and has shown an improved connection with Jones," Graff writes. We're not overly interested in any of these guys as draft targets, but we'll continue to monitor the pecking order.

Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne has cleared the league COVID protocol and will be available for Sunday's game against the Bills. It's still a negative matchup for his fantasy outlook, though. We wouldn't be looking to use Bourne in fantasy football lineups unless you need to.