Bourne vs. Parker: Odd Man Out if Patriots Sign Hopkins?

With the buzz surrounding the New England Patriots and DeAndre Hopkins, discussions are already being had about roster movement if the signing is made.

As the New England Patriots are looking for momentum in the race to sign free-agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, talk of roster movement is already commencing within the fanbase. No, it isn't because the Patriots need a roster spot to sign Hopkins, as they have that already. But fans are already looking ahead to August, when the final cuts will be made. 

Many assume that when it comes time to make the 53-man roster cutdown, the Patriots will let at least one receiver go. So who could that be?

The two names coming up repeatedly on social media already have been Kendrick Bourne and DeVante Parker. Both were part of a Patriots receiving core that didn't produce in a "dysfunctional" offense. Parker was the most productive of the two, totaling 539 yards and three touchdowns on 31 receptions, compared to Bourne's 35 receptions for 435 yards and a touchdown.

By cutting either one, New England will net around the same amount in cap space. Cutting Parker nets the Patriots a projected $6.2 million, while Bourne would clear $5.4 million. From a financial perspective, cutting the 30-year-old Parker makes the most sense, but what about schematically? 

With the Patriots' current roster makeup at receiver, Parker is projected to be in the running for the X-receiver spot. Meaning he'd be the guy that New England would rely on to take on one-on-one coverage on the outside. On the other hand, Bourne's role looks less clear, which isn't because of skill. Rather, his versatility makes him able to be moved around.

As he showed in 2021 under then-coordinator Josh McDaniels - Bourne's best season in New England - he can play both the X and Z-receiver role. At his best, Bourne was a down-field target who created separation and high-pointed the football in the air. While also creating in the quick passing game on screens and slants.

This makes Bourne a very different player compared to Parker, who, at 6-foot-3, doesn't possess the explosiveness but still finds himself as a downfield target. Combining the lack of explosiveness and versatility with the fact that Parker ranked dead last in average separation according to Next Gen Stats, he may not be a fit in Bill O'Brien's offense.

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