Robert Kraft Wants Changes in Patriots Receiver Room for 2024
As the New England Patriots revamp their offense, one casualty of the salary cap could be Hunter Renfrow, a one-time Pro Bowl wide receiver. The Las Vegas Raiders may cut Renfrow due to salary cap constraints, and the Patriots could be a team to watch in pursuit of him. According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, the Patriots had one of the weakest receiving corps in the league this season. With a new quarterback likely coming in the offseason and a new head coach in Jerod Mayo, the Patriots could be eager to upgrade their receiver position.
Renfrow, who could save the Raiders up to $11.8 million in salary cap space after June 1, could be a good fit for the Patriots, who have a salary cap situation of $67.48 million. Currently under a 2-year, $32.32 million deal with the Raiders, Renfrow may have to sign a short-term, prove-it deal to find another opportunity. However, he can contribute to another team’s receiving corps.
In recent years, Renfrow’s performance has been underwhelming. In 2023, he had 25 catches for 255 yards, and in 2022, he had 36 receptions for 300 yards and two touchdowns. However, in 2021, he had 103 catches for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns, showing promise. His first two seasons in the league were also promising, with 56 catches for 656 yards and two touchdowns in 2020, and 49 grabs for 605 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie in 2019.
The Raiders have expressed interest in moving on from Renfrow, as reported by Knox. They attempted to trade him to the New Orleans Saints in 2023, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS WIDE RECEIVER ROOM FACES UNCERTAINTY IN OFFSEASON
New England Patriots wide receiver room could see some changes this offseason as free agency looms. Kendrick Bourne and Jalen Reagor are both potential departures, although Bourne has expressed his desire to return to the team.
In an interview with ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Bourne stated, “I want to come back [to New England]. That is a goal of mine. I love being a Patriot — it’s a great environment for a person like me. Being a Patriot helped me grow into the player I am today. I’m thankful for the organization, but you never know. I’ve been in free agency before and I didn’t know what would happen. And I don’t know now.”
Bourne’s performance in the 2023 season was not outstanding, with only 37 catches for 406 yards and four touchdowns. However, he is currently under a 3-year, $15 million deal with the Patriots and could potentially command a contract worth up to $4.8 million annually or a 3-year, $14.65 million deal, according to Spotrac.
Meanwhile, Reagor, who caught seven passes for 138 yards and a touchdown this season, is on a 1-year, $1 million deal with the Patriots. The team also has Tre Nixon on an expiring contract as an exclusive rights free agent.
In addition to Bourne and Reagor, the Patriots have six wideouts already under contract for the 2024 season. This includes JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Park, Tyquan Thornton, Demario Douglas, T.J. Luther, and Kayshon Boutte. However, Boutte’s future with the team is uncertain due to illegal gambling charges.
Bourne suffered an ACL tear in Week 2 of the 2023 season but is making progress in his recovery. “Some days I don’t want to do it. Some days it’s hard,” Bourne admitted. “But every day it counts. I know if I attack it head-on, I can have a successful recovery. I’m doing great.”
Matthew Davis is an NFL reporter covering the New England Patriots.
