The New England Patriots have enhanced their quarterback roster by claiming Tommy DeVito off waivers from the New York Giants, while simultaneously releasing veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. This decision comes as the Patriots seek to solidify their quarterback depth following the release of undrafted free agent Bailey Zappe last week.
DeVito, who gained popularity among Giants fans as an undrafted free agent in 2023, stood out during the preseason finale against the Patriots. He completed 17 of 20 passes for 198 yards, throwing three touchdowns without any interceptions. His impressive performance caught the eye of Patriots’ head coach Mike Vrabel, who noted the team’s need to strengthen their roster at critical positions.
Vrabel expressed confidence in the team’s quarterback situation, stating, “Each move that we’ll make may not be an indication of what the players are at that position. I think it’s just looking to strengthen the overall roster construction.” The Patriots now have DeVito joining starter Mac Jones and backup Joshua Dobbs, as they aim to build a robust quarterback lineup.
The Giants, meanwhile, found themselves with a surplus of quarterbacks, including first-round draft pick Daniel Jones and veteran Tyrod Taylor. General Manager Joe Schoen acknowledged the challenges of roster management, saying, “It can be difficult sometimes, depending on how the roster shapes up. We’re happy for Tommy. We would have loved to have him back, but he was claimed and we wish him nothing but the best.”
In addition to acquiring DeVito, the Patriots also awarded former cornerback Chris Harris Jr. off waivers, leading to the release of second-year wide receiver Tre Nixon to make room on the roster. The decision to part ways with Bourne, a nine-year veteran who recorded 292 receptions for 3,714 yards and 22 touchdowns throughout his career, adds to the shifting dynamics of the team’s receiving corps.
Bourne had previously been a key player for the Patriots, particularly during the 2021 season when he achieved his best statistics under former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. He expressed enthusiasm about potentially replicating his past success this year, especially with McDaniels back in the fold. However, after suffering an injury during an intrasquad scrimmage on August 1, Bourne had not practiced until recently, which may have influenced the team’s decision to release him.
The wide receiver market has proven to be competitive, with the Minnesota Vikings previously showing interest in Bourne before opting to trade for another player. As the Patriots navigate their roster ahead of the regular season, they are also developing rookie receivers, including third-round pick Jayden Reed and undrafted free agent Bo Melton.
Bourne, known for his versatility and experience, started his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers from 2017 to 2020. Reports indicate that the 49ers are very interested in bringing him back, creating potential opportunities for Bourne as he transitions from New England.
As the Patriots prepare for the upcoming season, the team remains focused on enhancing their overall performance and depth, particularly at key positions such as quarterback and wide receiver.
