Kendrick Bourne is indeed heading back to San Francisco. The veteran wideout has a deal in place with the 49ers, per a Monday announcement from his agency. 
Bourne’s pact is one year in length and has a maximum value of $5MM. San Francisco hosted him on a free agent visit recently, and an offer was made. Shortly after also meeting with the Commanders, Bourne has chosen a familiar landing environment for the 2025 season.
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The former UDFA spent his first four seasons with the 49ers, serving as a regular on offense during that time. Bourne helped his free agent value with a strong 2020 performance, handling a 66% snap share that season. He inked a three-year pact with the Patriots during his first trip to the open market.
Bourne set a new career high with 55 catches and 800 yards during his debut New England campaign, matching his personal best with five touchdowns as well. Over the following three seasons, however, things did not go according to plan. It came as little surprise when New England elected to move on during roster cuts at the end of training camp. In the wake of that decision, it became clear the 49ers were a potential suitor in this case.
San Francisco spent the past few weeks in search of healthy receiving options. Brandon Aiyuk is still on the mend from the ACL tear he suffered last season, while Jacob Cowing opened the campaign on injured reserve (meaning he will be unavailable through at least Week 5). Demarcus Robinson, meanwhile, is serving a three-week suspension and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network notes Jauan Jennings suffered a shoulder injury yesterday.
Bourne is fully healthy, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who adds he could play as early as Week 2. That would be a welcomed development for a 49ers team which traded for Skyy Moore and signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the lead-up to Week 1. Bourne will join those two, along with Ricky Pearsall, as WR options for San Francisco until the team receives reinforcements at the position.
After playing eight games in 2023 and 12 last year, Bourne will look for a better campaign in terms of availability during his second San Francisco stint. Especially once the team’s other pass catchers are back in the fold, it will be interesting to see how his role takes shape.
Can he kick?
Cut Jake Moody