FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Kendrick Bourne is in the final year of his deal with the Patriots, and might be used as a trade chip and potential drawing card for other teams around the league.
It’s very possible the wide receiver will be shopped before the Oct. 31 trade deadline, or have some teams inquiring about his status. Whether the Patriots (1-5) decide to clean house, stand pat, or unload a few players for draft capital remains to be seen.
Bourne, speaking with the media on Wednesday, was considered possible trade bait last year, and is well aware that could be the case once again given his contract status.
“It’ll definitely be on my mind, but it’s just being ready for whatever, man,” Bourne said regarding the trade deadline.
“I want to be here. I’d love to be here, but if there’s other plans, it is what it is. I’m just focusing every day on what I gotta do, the task at hand.”
After six games, Bourne leads the team in receiving with 28 receptions for 307 yards and two touchdowns. He’s coming off a 10-catch performance for 89 yards in Sunday’s loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Along with Bourne, Josh Uche, Kyle Dugger and Michael Onwenu are among those who could be shopped. Quarterback Mac Jones is a possibility, as well.
Said Bourne: “I think I’m in a good place. Whatever happens, happens. I’m just focusing day by day.”
PATRIOTS QB Mac Jones was asked if he was worried about potentially being traded during the NFL’s Oct. 31 deadline.
“I’m not focused on that right now, honestly,” Jones said. “Just really focusing on just coming together as a team during a tough time and seeing how we respond, seeing how I respond. Definitely excited for the challenge, looking at it in the eyes and taking it head on.”
Although he’s struggled this season, it would be a shock if the Patriots traded Jones. The quarterback is currently ranked 20th in the NFL in passing yards, tied for 23rd in passing touchdowns and has thrown the second-most interceptions.
ONE OF THE biggest surprises in Sunday’s game in Las Vegas was Bill Belichick rolling the dice on Malik Cunningham.
Not only did Belichick sign the dual-threat to a three-year deal, but he had him serve as the Patriots’ backup quarterback. Cunningham said he’s primarily been in wide receiver meetings during the week – he warmed up there before the game, too – but had Mac Jones gotten hurt, it would have been on the rookie to play the rest of the game at quarterback.
Belichick was asked if Cunningham will serve as New England’s backup quarterback once again this week against the Bills.
“We’ll work our way through that roster situation as we go through the week,” Belichick said. “I’m not going to talk how we’re going to play the game.”
Would Belichick be comfortable playing Cunningham for a full complement of reps at quarterbacks?
“I mean, look he’s a young player so he’s improving,” Belichick said. “We’ll see how it goes.”
But if he was the backup and something happened to Jones early in the game, that’s something Belichick would be OK with?
“If he’s the No. 2, that’s what it would be,” Belichick replied.
SIGNED: The Patriots signed running back Patrick Taylor and defensive end William Bradley-King to the practice squad.
Bradley-King fits a need for the Patriots after Uche didn’t practice Wednesday due to a knee injury. The 25-year-old defensive end spent the last two seasons with Washington and played in four games. He was released from the practice squad over the weekend.
Taylor was waived by Green Bay last week. Originally an undrafted free agent, Taylor has played in 27 NFL games – including four this season – and amassed 151 rushing yards, 48 receiving yards and one touchdown.
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