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After Weeks of Deep Bench Time and Being Dropped to WR4 Despite Solid Play, Former Patriots WR1 Shockingly Praises Drake Maye – And 49ers Fans Are Furious: “He Wants to Go Back to New England!”

Santa Clara, California – The already tense situation with Kendrick Bourne at the San Francisco 49ers has just gotten a whole lot louder after his latest comments about Drake Maye. From being a reliable early-season weapon, Bourne has been demoted to WR4 ever since Ricky Pearsall returned. Snaps have plummeted, targets have dried up, and his frustration is becoming impossible to hide.

Patriots' Kendrick Bourne reacts to his 'tough' benching vs. Bears

Bourne was once the beloved WR1 in New England, and seeing him “frozen out” in San Francisco for the past three weeks has many comparing the two environments. In that context, Bourne suddenly unleashed heartfelt praise for Drake Maye – the young star turning the Patriots into the new power of the AFC:“ He has the kind of energy every wide receiver wants to run routes for. Drake makes everyone around him play better, makes the whole team believe they always have a chance on every single play. That’s the kind of leadership quality you can’t teach – either you have it, or you’ll never touch it.” Bourne shared with clear subtext.

The 49ers community reacted instantly and furiously. They accused Bourne of “pouring gasoline on the fire” right when he’s losing his roster spot. Some fans joked that he’s “already packed his bags and is just waiting for a ticket to Foxboro.” More experienced observers, however, see Bourne’s comments as the honest voice of a player who feels overlooked and still hungry to contribute in a system that actually fits him.

The 49ers remain cautious. Head coach Kyle Shanahan declined to dive deep into Bourne’s words, only stressing that the team has a clear plan for every role. Still, the reality is this veteran wide receiver is no longer part of the offensive priority list. With his contract running only through the end of the 2025 season, the praise sent Maye’s way has only fueled speculation about his next destination.

If Bourne does leave the 49ers in the offseason, the Patriots will obviously be mentioned first. A familiar system, a strong head coach in Mike Vrabel, and a rising quarterback in Maye – everything creates an attractive option. And while his future remains uncertain, Bourne’s statement said it all: “You just want to be somewhere you feel you can make a difference. And sometimes… you know exactly where that place is.”

BREAKING: Chiefs Among Top Landing Spots for Former $141 Million Future Hall of Fame Pass Rusher
Kansas City, Missouri – January 2026 Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly one of the top landing spots for Khalil Mack, a former $141 million edge rusher, as he is set to hit free agency in the spring. The 34-year-old player, widely regarded as a future Hall of Famer, is expected to be a top target for teams looking to add a veteran pass rusher to their roster, and the Chiefs could be a perfect fit. After spending the past few years with the Los Angeles Chargers, Mack had a solid 2025 season, recording 5.5 sacks and 39 quarterback pressures. While Mack may not be the dominant force he once was, he remains a top-tier pass rusher and a leader with invaluable experience, potentially providing a significant boost to the Chiefs' defense, which is already formidable. According to Zachary Pereles from CBS Sports, the Chiefs could be a leading contender for Mack’s services. “Mack would be a perfect addition to Kansas City, a team that’s already stacked on offense but could use another strong presence on defense. The Chiefs have the salary cap flexibility to bring in a veteran like Mack without making a major financial commitment, making him an ideal fit for their Super Bowl aspirations,” Pereles said. The Chiefs have established themselves as one of the NFL's elite teams, particularly on offense, but adding a veteran presence like Mack could provide that extra edge needed on defense. His leadership and ability to disrupt quarterbacks would be a valuable asset as Kansas City pushes for another Super Bowl title. However, the Chiefs won’t be the only team competing for Mack’s services. Other teams like the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, and Carolina Panthers are also interested. The Bears and Bengals have specific defensive needs, while the Panthers have multiple positions to fill on their defense. “Chiefs is an organization with a rich history and a bright future. They have an incredible offense, but I know I can help elevate their defense to the next level. I want to be part of something special and bring that championship mentality to a team that’s already so close to greatness. If I’m given the chance, I will do everything in my power to help the Chiefs win it all,” Mack shared. For Mack, the final decision will depend on the role he’s offered and which team is best positioned to contend for a Super Bowl in the coming years. But as the Chiefs continue their pursuit of another championship, they remain one of the most attractive landing spots for this veteran pass rusher.