Patriots Wideout Opens Up About Being Involved In Brandon Aiyuk Trade Rumors

The New England Patriots were willing to say goodbye to Kendrick Bourne this offseason.

The Patriots in August reportedly had the framework of a trade in place with the 49ers to acquire Brandon Aiyuk that would have sent multiple draft picks plus wide receiver Kendrick Bourne to San Francisco. The deal ultimately fell through due to Aiyuk's unwillingness to play with New England.

That meant Bourne, who began this season rehabbing from a torn ACL, ended up going nowhere. That could have created an uncomfortable situation for the Patriots and Bourne.

But when opening up about being involved in trade rumors for the first time Thursday, the eighth-year wideout credited the Patriots for their professional approach, which Bourne exhibited during that time, too.

"They were just transparent with me," Bourne told reporters, per MassLive's Chris Mason. "They got a plan and they're trying to see a future, trying to work on the future, trying to work on the present. They're trying to do everything, and that's their job. So I just look at it as them doing their job. And if I have value and they need to use me, then it's a part of the game. So that's just kind of how I looked at it."

The Patriots began Bourne's practice window this week after he started the season on the physically unable to perform list. Bourne, who compiled 37 receptions for 406 yards and four touchdowns in eight games in 2023, certainly could give a jolt to a mundane passing attack.

Bourne will look to showcase his value to the Patriots, at least for the time being. With the Patriots in a freefall after winning their season-opener and having an eye to the future, it wouldn't be a surprise if Bourne's name resurfaces in trade rumors before the Nov. 5 trade deadline.

But after going through it recently, he'll know how to handle it if it occurs again.