Kendrick Bourne Hits a New Note: 49ers WR Launches Record Label as Free Agency Looms
Kendrick Bourne’s 2025 season may have ended on a sour note with the 49ers’ playoff exit, but the veteran wide receiver isn’t stepping out of the spotlight anytime soon. Just days after San Francisco’s season came to a close in a blowout loss to the Seahawks, Bourne took to Instagram to announce a new chapter - not on the field, but in the studio.
The 30-year-old wideout is officially expanding his reach into the music industry, revealing a new record label venture as he prepares to enter the 2026 NFL free agency period. When a fan asked if the announcement was football-related, Bourne kept it simple: “record label.”
This isn’t a sudden pivot. Bourne has long been active in the gospel rap scene, and recently dropped a tribute track for his team titled Red and Gold Timin’, featuring artist Miles Minnick. The song - equal parts anthem and appreciation - highlights Bourne’s creative side and his desire to build something that lasts beyond the gridiron.
But make no mistake, Bourne’s still got plenty left in the tank as a wide receiver - and his 2025 campaign proved exactly that.
A Timely Return to the Bay
Bourne rejoined the 49ers in September on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, just weeks after being released by the Patriots in late August. The reunion with his original NFL team was more than just a feel-good story - it was a strategic move that paid off when injuries hit the Niners' receiving corps.
With Brandon Aiyuk and rookie Ricky Pearsall sidelined early in the season, Bourne stepped in and delivered. He posted back-to-back 142-yard performances against the Rams and Buccaneers, immediately giving the offense a spark.
His chemistry with quarterback Mac Jones - rekindled from their Pro Bowl season together in New England - was on full display. That connection proved critical in a Week 5 overtime thriller, where Bourne hauled in 10 completions and helped push San Francisco deeper into the playoff hunt.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan had been vocal about wanting Bourne back in the fold before the season began, and the move turned out to be one of the more underrated pickups of the year. Bourne played in 16 regular-season games, starting eight, and finished with 37 receptions, averaging a strong 14.9 yards per catch. He gave the 49ers a reliable, explosive option when they needed it most.
Looking Ahead
Now, Bourne heads into free agency as an unrestricted free agent, once again set to test the open market. The timing is interesting - not just because of his on-field resurgence, but also because of his off-field ambitions.
With his music label launching under EMPIRE Distribution, Bourne is clearly thinking big-picture. He’s entering a phase of his career where versatility matters - not just in how he runs routes, but in how he builds his brand.
Still, NFL teams won’t be focused on his recording sessions - they’ll be watching the tape. And what they’ll see is a veteran receiver who proved he can still produce in high-leverage moments, stretch the field, and bring leadership to a locker room.
The 49ers’ season may have ended in disappointment with a 41-6 loss to Seattle, but Bourne’s individual performance - and his ability to step up when called upon - won’t go unnoticed by front offices around the league.
As the 2026 league year kicks off in March, Bourne will be one of the more intriguing names on the market. Whether he stays in the Bay or takes his talents elsewhere, one thing’s clear: Kendrick Bourne is hitting his stride - on and off the field.