“Holy Overpay”: Fans outraged after Patriots re-sign WR Kendrick Bourne on 3-year, $33 million deal

The New England Patriots’ 2023 season was disappointing. It was their worst performance since Bill Belichick became head coach. The team finished with a losing record and missed the playoffs for the second year in a row. This disappointing season led to the end of Belichick’s time with the Patriots.

With Jerod Mayo at the helm as the new head coach, the Patriots are eager to embark on a fresh journey. As part of their revamp plan, they recently announced a contract extension with Kendrick Bourne, which has placed the Patriots team under the scrutiny of their fans.

Kendrick Bourne re-signed by Patriots despite injury concerns

The Patriots have given Kendrick Bourne a lucrative three-year, $33 million deal. According to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, Bourne’s contract includes a base salary of $19.5 million and can potentially reach $33 million with additional incentives. Additionally, he will receive a $4.2 million signing bonus as part of the agreement.

Unfortunately, the receiver’s last season was cut short due to a torn ACL he suffered in Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins. The injury forced the Patriots to place him on injured reserve, ending his season. Despite the unfortunate injury, he showed his talent in that game, catching 3 passes on 4 targets for 36 yards and even scoring a touchdown.

Even before his untimely injury, the 28-year-old emerged as a pivotal figure in the Patriots’ offense, providing a glimmer of hope amid the team’s overall struggles. 

The dynamic wide receiver was the focal point, amassing 37 catches for 406 yards with four touchdowns in the eight games he played prior to the setback, per ESPN.

Fans furious with Patriots’ decision on Kendrick Bourne

New England Patriots fans aren’t thrilled with the team’s decision to extend wide receiver Kendrick Bourne’s contract. Many have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration with the move. While the Patriots were likely hoping to solidify their receiving options, the deal hasn’t gone over well with a portion of the fanbase.

A three-year deal worth $33 million is a common investment for a wide receiver. Nevertheless, the Patriots fans seem to believe that, in Bourne’s case, it amounts to a “HOLY OVERPAY.”

While Bourne has undergone successful surgery and is expected to return soon, fans remain skeptical about his ability to justify his hefty salary. Some fans pointed out that Bourne had yet to fully establish himself as a top-tier receiver before suffering a season-ending injury, raising concerns about his potential impact on the field.

“A lot of money for a relatively unproven receiver coming off ACL surgery,” a comment read.

Some fans questioned the hefty price tag attached to a relatively unproven receiver who is recovering from ACL surgery. Comments highlighting the perceived risk and questionable value of the contract echoed through social media, with fans not holding back in their criticism of both the Patriots organization and Bourne.

Which side are you on? Let us know in the comment box.