Jets Could Poach Playmaker From Division Rival in Free Agency

The 2024 NFL offseason is going to be intriguing on all fronts around the league. The legal tampering period is set to begin on Mar. 11 at 12 p.m. ET and the New York Jets will certainly be active.

They have a clear plan this offseason and that's improving the offense. The Jets have needs at receiver and offensive line but need to do everything in their power to bolster those position groups.

WR Kendrick Bourne is slated to become an unrestricted free agent and Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald believes the Jets are going to be interested.

Jets Rumors: New York Will Have Interest in WR Kendrick Bourne

According to Callahan, the Jets expressed a desire to trade for Bourne over the last 18 months as the Patriots received calls on him at the end of training camp in 2022 and 2023.

Garrett Wilson is the only reliable pass-catcher on Gang Green's roster and the addition of Bourne would immediately improve that group.

Bourne is coming off a torn ACL but is ahead of schedule and projected to play in Week 1. Before going down, the 28-year-old was on pace for a career-best campaign.

In eight games last season, the Eastern Washington product reeled in 37 receptions for 406 yards and four touchdowns.

He is a smooth route runner and has a knack for picking up extra yardage after the catch.

Two front-office executives think Bourne will sign a deal with an annual value of $7 million a year. The Jets currently have $20 million in cap space per OvertheCap.

That number will rise over the next few weeks and it gives the Jets enough flexibility to snag Bourne. GM Joe Douglas has already kicked the tires on Bourne and could do it again. This time, he could bring him to town while also weakening a division rival.

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