Kendrick Bourne could be the underrated spark Commanders' offense needs

At face value, the Washington Commanders are just fine where they are on the outside. That hasn't stopped Adam Peters from seeking alternatives.

Terry McLaurin was extended, Deebo Samuel Sr. provides electricity as a versatile piece, and names in Noah Brown, Luke McCaffrey, and Jaylin Lane round out an intriguing group. But more talent and more competition never hurt. The potential arrival of Kendrick Bourne could be a pivotal move in shaping just how explosive Washington could be on offense in 2025.

Bourne, who spent the last four seasons with the New England Patriots, recently visited Washington, with mutual interest in a potential deal from both sides. The wideout is currently considering if the Commanders or San Francisco 49ers are his preferred choice, but there's no denying the impact of the 30-year-old inside an offense led by one of football's brightest young stars in Jayden Daniels.

Kendrick Bourne could be the missing piece of Commanders' offensive puzzle

At 6-foot-1 and around 200 pounds, Bourne isn’t the biggest or fastest pass-catcher you'll find, but his toughness, route-running savvy, and willingness to work across the middle have made him a reliable target wherever he’s been. And in Washington, those traits could shine even brighter given the structure around him.

It starts with the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year in Daniels, who's as dynamic with his legs as he is with his arm. And if there were any questions as to how Bourne would potentially fit in D.C., a quick peek back to the likes of Olamide Zaccheus and Dyami Brown being elevated by the signal-caller quickly silences any potential doubters.

You can never have enough trusted outlets for a young quarterback — someone who can find soft spots in coverage, win quickly, and turn short throws into chain-moving plays. Bourne fits that description perfectly.

McLaurin remains the unquestioned WR1 as a top-tier route runner who consistently wins against No. 1 corners and forces bracket coverage over the top. But as defenses force two on No. 17, changing the numbers offensively will open up lanes for secondary options.

While veteran tight end Zach Ertz was that figure in 2024, having Bourne’s ability to work underneath, settle in zone windows, and use his physicality after the catch gives him a chance to be that additional security blanket with the juice to take it for six.

There's also the potential wrinkle in Washington’s offensive design. Kliff Kingsbury has built his reputation on spacing concepts, quick-hitting passing schemes, and allowing playmakers to operate in space. Bourne isn’t the same explosive athlete as McLaurin, Samuel, or even Lane, but there are similarities in how he could be used.

Motioned across formations, lined up in the slot, or schemed touches on screens and slants to let him work after the catch and expand a defense. The versatility in Washington’s receiver room is something Kingsbury can lean on. Bourne could be a staple should the necessary playing time be awarded.

Ultimately, Bourne won’t be asked to carry Washington’s offense, but that’s not the point. His impact could be measured in third-down conversions, catches over the middle in tight windows, and helping Daniels stay on schedule.

If Kingsbury can scheme him into advantageous looks, Washington may have found not just a stopgap addition, but a critical piece in creating further balance around their young quarterback while pushing the likes of McCaffrey and Lane with another face in the fold.