Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne recently opened up about his departure from the New England Patriots, shedding light on the circumstances that led to his release.
In a candid YouTube video, Bourne explained that the Patriots had asked him to take a pay cut, a request he felt would undervalue him. Not wanting to compromise his worth, he decided to seek a release from the team.
"I made the 53-man roster, but something didn’t sit right with me," Bourne shared. "My wife was happy, but the next day, they called me in to let me go. I understood it was business, but it was still shocking."
Bourne revealed that discussions about a pay cut between his agent and the Patriots' front office played a crucial role in his decision. "I couldn't let myself be devalued to a vet minimum," he said.
"Once they get you there, they kinda got you there. So, my agent and I decided to ask for my release."
Bourne's NFL journey began with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He joined the Patriots in 2021 with a three-year, $15 million deal, later signing a three-year, $33 million extension in 2024.
Over four seasons with the Patriots, he amassed 1,945 yards and 11 touchdowns. After his release last August, Bourne returned to the 49ers on a one-year contract.
In a recent appearance on "The Richard Sherman Podcast," Bourne expressed his desire to stay with the 49ers and play under head coach Kyle Shanahan again. "I'm trying to come back," Bourne stated.
"I have a good relationship with Kyle. San Francisco is home, and coming back was powerful.
Money talks, but that place holds a special spot in my heart."
During the 2025 season, Bourne recorded 551 receiving yards on 37 receptions. The 49ers made it to the playoffs but were defeated by the Seahawks in a divisional matchup.