FOXBORO — Amid swirling commerce rumors, Patriots vast receiver Kendrick Bourne mentioned Friday he desires to stay in New England by way of Tuesday’s NFL commerce deadline.
“Yeah, absolutely. I want to be here. There’s no doubt about it,” Bourne advised the Herald. “Yeah, it hasn’t been my finest yr thus far or regardless of the naysayers say, however I’m completely satisfied right here. I’m simply taking part in my function, like I mentioned at first (of the season). It’s about being affected person.
“I’m not looking to be the stat guy, (I’m) just trying to be in a position to help the team win, and I’ve always been that way. So, I’m just sticking to that motto and not getting too caught up in trying to get paid or whatever it may be.”
Bourne added he’s tried to not give attention to the potential of being traded, with ESPN reporting two weeks in the past that the Patriots had obtained calls from a number of groups asking about him. According to a supply, a number of contenders inquired about Bourne again in August, when he struggled by way of coaching camp and was despatched house earlier than the group’s second preseason sport. Outside entrance workplaces have additionally inquired about veteran receivers Jakobi Meyers, DeVante Parker and Nelson Agholor, per NBC Sports Boston.
Bourne is in the course of a three-year contract that runs by way of 2023 and carries team-friendly cap hits for a participant of his caliber. The 27-year-old loved a profession yr final season, breaking out with 55 catches for 800 yards and 5 touchdowns. Bourne has 11 receptions for 156 yards this yr and missed final Monday’s sport versus Chicago with turf toe. He is anticipated to play Sunday on the Jets.
Bourne mentioned in the end he would settle for a commerce, however careworn his desire is to stick with the Patriots.
“Just really not focusing on it. Just whatever happens, happens. If that’s what the coaches think they want to do and they think that’s what’s best, I’m on that wave. I would be cool with anything. Just really focusing on what I need to do and improving,” he mentioned. “Hopefully it’s extra of different groups wanting me moderately than my group not wanting me, so (I’m) simply eager about it that manner, additionally.
“(I’m) just focusing on getting better and the team and what’s going forward, instead of trying to fall into that trap.”
Earlier this season, Bourne handled a considerably diminished function regardless of constant down-to-down manufacturing. He took simply two snaps within the Pats’ season opener at Miami and has performed greater than 35% of the group’s offensive snaps in a single sport since. Bourne now believes the Patriots offense is near establishing its id, one thing he hopes to contribute to transferring ahead.
“It’s really about being bigger and not being selfish, and that’s not easy to do in this day and age. And we’re built that way here with the Patriots. It’s the standard,” Bourne mentioned. “So if you show it, it’s just not tolerated in a sense. We don’t really want those guys here. If you’re doing that, it just shows what you’re truly here for. … So that’s what it is. That’s just being a team player, a good person and not letting football be your whole life.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com