Quick Read
- Kendrick Bourne has signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers worth up to $5 million.
- Bourne returns to the 49ers amid a slew of injuries affecting the team’s wide receiver corps.
- The 30-year-old spent his first four NFL seasons with the 49ers before joining the Patriots in 2021.
- Bourne’s familiarity with the 49ers’ offensive system makes him a valuable addition at a critical time.
In a move that feels like a homecoming, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has rejoined the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. The agreement, announced on September 8, 2025, was confirmed by multiple reports, including ESPN, NFL.com, and Newsweek. Bourne, who initially entered the NFL with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2017, spent the last four seasons with the New England Patriots before being released last month.
Why Bourne’s Return is Crucial for the 49ers
The 49ers have been grappling with a string of injuries that have decimated their wide receiver corps. Key players like Brandon Aiyuk, who is still recovering from an ACL tear suffered in 2024, and Jauan Jennings, who exited the team’s Week 1 game with a shoulder injury, have left significant gaps in the lineup. Additionally, tight end George Kittle is undergoing tests for a hamstring injury, and veteran Demarcus Robinson is currently serving a suspension. According to Newsweek, Bourne’s arrival couldn’t have come at a better time, as the team scrambles to maintain offensive stability.
A Career Full Circle
Kendrick Bourne’s journey has been one of resilience and steady growth. After signing with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Washington, he played four seasons with the team, contributing 1,769 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 58 games. Bourne was also part of the 2019 NFC Championship team and made an appearance in Super Bowl LIV. In 2021, he moved to the New England Patriots, where he had a career-high season with 800 receiving yards and five touchdowns. However, injuries, including a torn ACL in 2023, and limited opportunities marked his later seasons in New England. CBS Sports highlights that Bourne’s familiarity with the 49ers’ offensive system under head coach Kyle Shanahan makes him an ideal fit for a quick integration back into the team.
The Impact on the 49ers’ Offense
Bourne’s return provides much-needed depth and experience to a depleted 49ers receiving unit. With the team’s Week 1 victory over the Seattle Seahawks revealing gaps in their passing game—rookie Ricky Pearsall led the team with 108 receiving yards while veteran options struggled to make an impact—Bourne’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations will be invaluable. According to NFL.com, the 49ers are looking to utilize Bourne’s versatility and reliability as a pass-catcher to complement quarterback Brock Purdy’s growing confidence.
Looking Ahead
The one-year deal is not just a second chance for Bourne but also a strategic move for the 49ers as they aim to bolster their playoff prospects. His return symbolizes the team’s trust in his abilities and their need for seasoned players who can step up in critical moments. With mounting injuries and a competitive NFC landscape, Bourne’s contributions will likely play a pivotal role in the 49ers’ 2025 campaign.
As Kendrick Bourne returns to the team where his NFL journey began, both the player and the franchise look to rekindle a partnership that brought mutual success. The coming weeks will reveal just how impactful his presence will be in steering the 49ers through a challenging season.