Reports: Patriots releasing WR Kendrick Bourne at his request

The New England Patriots are granting wide receiver Kendrick Bourne's request to be released, multiple outlets reported Wednesday.

CBS Sports reported that a potential trade with the Vikings didn't materialize, and Minnesota filled its receiver need Wednesday in a trade with the Carolina Panthers for Adam Thielen.

As he seeks a change of scenery, Bourne is expected to draw interest from teams including the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers, per reports.

An Oregon native, the 30-year-old Bourne started his career with the 49ers, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in May 2017.

He became a free agent in 2020, signing with New England, and inked a three-year, $19.5 million extension in March 2024.

In his career, Bourne has appeared in 111 games (34 starts) with the 49ers (2017-20) and Patriots (2021-24). He has 292 receptions for 3,714 yards and 22 touchdown catches.

Injuries limited him to 20 games (six starts) the past two seasons, when he made a total of 65 catches for 711 yards and five touchdowns.

Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas slot in as the top receivers now on the New England depth chart.

--Field Level Media