WR Kendrick Bourne hoping to re-sign with Patriots: 'They hold a special place in my heart, so I would love to go back'

Kendrick Bourne expects to be ready to go for Week 1 of the 2024 season and he's hoping it's with the New England Patriots.

Bourne, an impending free agent, told NFL Network's Patrick Claybon on Thursday's NFL Total Access that he's ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn ACL and wants to return to the Pats for a fourth season.

"I do. I do," Bourne told Claybon when asked if he wanted to return to New England. "It's something that has helped me in my career, especially in my life as a man. [Bill] Belichick, obviously you bring him up, he's somebody that helped me, obviously you know it's a new coach and new situation, but the building itself, the organization itself, what they stand for has helped me grow. So, it's some place that they hold a special place in my heart, so I would love to go back."

The road back to the playing field will come after Bourne suffered a torn ACL during a Week 8 loss to the Miami Dolphins last season. Bourne said he recently visited with noted surgeon Neal ElAttrache and was told he should be able to take part in some spring workouts and for training camp will be a "full-go."

"My plan is to play Game 1 and I believe I'm going to be ready," he said. "Where I'm at right now, on track, ahead of schedule and I feel good. So, building that confidence, building my strength in my legs so that I can be ready to go Game 1."

Should Bourne get his wish, he would return to a Patriots squad now coached by Jerod Mayo after Belichick and the Patriots parted ways. Though he remains a fan of Belichick, Bourne believes, much like Patriots linebacker Matt Judon, that there will be a freshness to the Patriots in 2024 and excitement accompanying them.

"I think they can expect a newfound energy," Bourne said. "A