Patriots’ Kendrick Bourne Discusses Working Out With Cam Newton & Expectations For This Season

Earlier this off-season, former 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots worth $22.5 million, including a $4,250,000 signing bonus, $7,250,000 guaranteed, according to SI. According to his agent, Henry Organ, the base salary is $ 1,750,000 (Year 1), $3,500,000 (Year 2), and $4,750,000 (Year 3). The incentives are six million evenly spread out over three years (NLTE).

Last season with the 49ers, the standout wide receiver played 15 games, snagging 49 catches for 667 yards and two touchdowns.

Last week, Bourne spoke to LandonBuford.com and discussed various topics, including working out with Cam Newton twice this off-season. The four-year veteran, along with other members of the Patriots, met up to work on mechanics.

They wanted to get their timing down before OTAs start, according to Bourne.

How do you see your role with the Patriots expanding now that Julian Edelman has retired?

I just see myself in the slot, outside, in no specific spot. I am not sure specifically how they are going to use me. I am just ready for whatever they ask me to do. But definitely, I feel there is more opportunity now that Edelman has retired. It is exciting.

I am aware that you have already been working out with Cam Newton this offseason. Can you share with us some insight on those workouts?

We were just getting our timing down and getting chemistry down with each other. There were other guys there with us, and we were getting to know each other before OTAs. We start OTAs soon after they approve them. So, we just broke the ice before everything started, and it turned out to be a good overall workout. Both workouts were great; the routes were good, although we missed some targets. It’s better to knock off the rust now before we get to camp in front of our coaches. We got some of the rust off early, so when we go to OTAs, we can really get the rust off; when we get into camp and the season, things are polished. It was a good two days overall.

Last season, many NFL fans and media counted him out after his injury. Can you see the 2015 MVP winning comeback Player of the Year this season?

Yes, I can definitely see that, and that is definitely Cam’s new vision, and I see him doing it. He works extremely hard, matching anyone in the football community on what needs to be done. He is an overall really great person on and off the field, and it carries over to the field. He will have a great year, in my opinion, because I have seen how he works and how he operates. I am excited for him; he has a great opportunity and will make the most of it.

What have you learned from him thus far?

I learned how to strike a balance, having everything off the field, and taking care of my family, kids, and priorities. Balance everything out so that your life is good and everything is going well.  That was the first deep conversation we had, and that is what I took away from it. I don’t want anything to go wrong off the field when I am playing well, because my balance is off.  Due to off-the-field issues, things are affecting my focus on the field. So, things like that, we were talking and said, man, you are dope. We are talking as men, making us closer and the chemistry better on the field.

Last season, you played for Kyle Shannon as a member of the 49ers and now play for Bill Belichick and the Patriots. Can you share with us the difference in mindset when it comes to preparing for games?

I think football is football, and they want us to have energy and be ready to play. As players, I believe we need to bring that energy and charisma to our game. As coaches, he is at his best when we have a good relationship and good chemistry with our coaches, both on and off the field. I feel that plays altogether, too. I thought Bill Belichick was a mean guy like we did, but he is not. Now that I have realized he is a mean guy, our will relationship will be fantastic and grow. If the player brings energy and charisma, they are willing to work and follow our instructions. I think it will be a great year. I get to prepare for this new journey in New England, and if players come with the right mindset, Bill Belichick will put us in the right situations to win.

What are your expectations for yourself heading into this season, coming off a new contract?

I am earning everything that I say I got. I still need to earn the money the Patriots paid me this off-season over the next three years. I cannot just sit back and expect everything to fall into place. I aim to earn every penny, complete the contract, and ensure the organization’s satisfaction and appreciation for the investment in me. That is just how I look at it, make it count, and keep the work ethic up. Some people get paid and then become lazy, and that is not me. I want to keep my energy up and stay excited, because this won’t last forever. I want to make the most of it while I have the opportunity.

Are you going to miss the rivalry that you were a part of between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers during your first four seasons in the league?

I cannot say those games were not fantastic, but probably it is the battles and how hard it is playing against them [Seattle Seahawks]. I like challenges, so that will be what I say about the challenges.

When you are not playing football, you have a stylish collection of clothes. Do you have an interest in entering the fashion industry?

Yeah, I want to expand my clothing line, which I already have.

You are a girl, dad; what are some of the things you are doing off the field to set your family up for life?

I am just investing my money with a financial advisor.  I have to learn cryptocurrency and related topics, and I’ll be getting into real estate soon. Just investing my money in different places as I build my portfolio and residual income.