The Patriots continued reshaping their roster after the waiver wire closed, adding multiple players to the roster and practice squad while making several cuts. The most notable moves included releasing Javon Baker and Kendrick Bourne, with Bourne reportedly requesting his release after a failed trade to the Vikings. The initial roster carried eight pass catchers, prompting offensive adjustments and making the releases less surprising. NFL insiders reported immediate interest from another team in signing Bourne, increasing the likelihood he will join a familiar franchise. Bourne originally spent four seasons with the 49ers and produced his best numbers with the Patriots in 2021 amid later offensive instability.
Mike Vrabel made it clear that the Patriots' roster was still taking shape and that the initial roster cuts would not be the team that took the field in Week 1 against the Raiders. That was made clear as soon as the waiver wire closed on Wednesday afternoon, as the Patriots made a flurry of additions to the roster and the practice squad, along with a few cuts.
The most notable of releases was to the receiving corps, as both Javon Baker and Kendrick Bourne were let go. The veteran reportedly asked for his release after the Patriots attempted to trade him to the Vikings, but the deal fell through. It was apparent that the offense would undergo some changes after the initial roster was announced, due to eight pass catchers being left on the team. That's almost unheard of, so Baker and Bourne's releases weren't entirely unexpected.
Before the Patriots spent big money in free agency during the 2021 offseason when they signed Bourne, he had spent the first four years of his career with the 49ers. He fell behind some superstar receivers on the depth chart, making him a WR3 or worse, which is why he explored other options where he could get more playing time.
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