The New England Patriots are bringing in former Buffalo Bill wide receiver Stefon Diggs for a visit which could signal the end for Kendrick Bourne. According to reports, the Patriots are trying to find a capable wideout for their offense and they could look to sign Diggs after his visit. New England has yet to find a consistent receiver on its depth chart despite having one of the deepest wide receiver groups in the league. Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, Demario Douglas and Javon Baker all make up the team’s pass-catching department but none of these options have earned a definitive WR1 spot.
If the Patriots decide to sign Diggs to a contract, it probably won’t be the last offensive move for them. Mack Hollins is the most notable wide receiving signing for Drake Maye’s new offense while they did try to bring in Chris Godwin but eventually stayed with the Buccaneers for less money. For Bourne, he was in a few trade rumors last year but the team didn’t trade him at all it could become a thing now that the Patriots have a new head coach. Mike Vrabel probably won’t be keeping the same offense for Maye so there should be a few suitors for Bourne if he becomes available on the trade block.
Patriots Free Agent Stefon Diggs Visit Could Signal Kendrick Bourne Trade? – 3 Logical Fits
Possible Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
While the Los Angeles Chargers are rebuilding their running back unit again after signing Najee Harris, the team needs another wide receiver to extend their chances for the playoffs next year. The team failed to meet expectations last year since quarterback Justin Herbert didn’t have enough help on offense even though he did thrive in the pocket. 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey is the only reliable wide receiver on this roster and while he has a bright future, he can’t carry this entire offense on his back. The Chargers did enter the 2025 offseason with all of the cap space they need to rebuild the passing-catching unit but it hasn’t been failing.
Despite signing Mike Williams, it only gives them temporary relief who is way past his prime in the league. The same can be said about Quentin Johnston but he’s way too inconsistent for someone who’s entering the third year of his NFL career so the Chargers could wind up releasing him. If the Chargers want to take over the AFC, they need to do everything in their power to sign or trade for the best pass catcher. While Bourne isn’t too special himself, he’s a significant upgrade for Herbert’s offense that could be a worthy fit behind McConkey and Williams.
Carolina Panthers
For the Panthers, it’s going to be interesting how quarterback Bryce Young develops. Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker are two promising but unproven playmakers who have a lot of games to be a deciding factor for Young’s potential. If Head Coach Dave Canales wants to avoid another bench, the team should put Young in the best position with more experienced pass catchers. Bourne won’t win every possession but it’s an upgrade from Adam Thielen who will likely retire after this season.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs face an interesting dilemma this upcoming season too. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been struggling all season long last year with inadequate receivers and it might turn out worst this upcoming season before it gets better. Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy could face future suspensions while they were only able to retain Marquise Brown despite losing DeAndre Hopkins. Bourne might not be the starter in this offense but it gives Mahomes a new breath of life if he loses any receivers down the stretch of next season.
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