SAMOAN WIDE RECEIVER KENDRICK BOURNE SIGNS WITH THE PATRIOTS
25yr old Samoan Wide Reciever has reportedly signed with the New England Patriots to a three year deal worth $22.5 million according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
This means the San Francisco 49ers have lost their first free agent. Bourne was the 49ers' second-leading receiver in 2020, so losing him is a big blow to coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. In 15 games last season, Bourne caught 49 passes for 667 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Off the field Bourne and his Bourne Blessed Foundation teamed up with ServiceNow to provide Mac laptops to 20 college-bound members of the OK Program on Thursday at West Oakland Youth Center.
He emerged as an undrafted rookie in 2017 and was given a chance with the 49ers sustaining his roster spot there. Bourne will turn 26 this summer and is the youngest of the Patriots reported signings to open free agency.
Read more insight on this from NFL Nation:
The Hive blog describes Bourne as a 'New breed of Samoan NFL players'
The beautiful part about watching Bourne is that he’s a part of a new generational wave of Polynesian talent, a heritage which he is extremely proud of.
Traditionally Samoans have been must haves on the offensive line or as defensive tackles in team lineups. The elite and talented pipeline has extended to true skill positions, where linebackers like Junior Seau and safety Polamalu paved the way for others to follow.
It’s also extended in recent years to the quarterback position with Tua Tagaviloa and Marcus Mariota as well as for wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kendrick himself.
