Patriots' WR Reacts to Trade Rumors: 'Bill Stuck With Me!'

After being mentioned in trade rumors throughout the offseason, New England Patriots receiver Kendrick Bourne is happy to still be with the team.

New England Patriots receiver Kendrick Bourne is about to enter his third season with the club, though at various points this offseason it seemed like he wouldn't get to this point.

After a disappointing 2022 season, and the Patriots bringing in multiple new receivers, Bourne found himself in trade rumors throughout the offseason. Despite that, the Patriots never lost faith in Bourne and even reportedly turned away teams inquiring about him. For Bourne, that vote of confidence from coach and general manager Bill Belichick means the world.

“I appreciate Bill ... Bill stuck with me,” Bourne told MassLive.com. “I struggled last year personally, and he’s always pushed me to be better. It’s always about getting better. I feel like Bill encourages me every day. What I can get better on. I appreciate that personally, because he could have just been like, ‘Whatever.’ But he’s always pushing me. This year I want to go my hardest I’ve ever gone.

“It feels good to be wanted. I’m glad to be here and this is where I’m supposed to be. That’s what’s happened.”

AP Photo/Steven Senne

Previously, Belichick levied high praise on the "forgotten" receiver. The six-time Super Bowl-winning coach said earlier this month that Bourne had excelled in "all phases of the game" throughout the offseason.

"He had a good spring," Belichick said. "That spring led into having a good training camp. He’s done very well in all phases of the game. He’s played multiple spots, caught the ball well, blocked well. He’s had a good camp."

Bourne had an impressive debut season with the Patriots in 2021, catching 55 passes for 800 yards and five touchdowns. Last season was much rougher, though, as he had just 35 catches for 434 yards and a lone score. Granted, New England's offense had a plethora of problems that were out of Bourne's control, but it was still far from his best showing.

In any case, Bourne appears to be back to full strength as he looks to rebound to form this season.

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