Kendrick Bourne Finally Hits 500 Yards - and a $500K Bonus - in 49ers Win
It took longer than expected, but Kendrick Bourne finally got there.
On a crisp Monday night in San Francisco’s win over the Colts, the veteran wideout hauled in an 11-yard reception from Brock Purdy late in the first half - a routine play on the surface, but one that carried a hefty reward. With that catch, Bourne officially crossed the 500-yard mark for the season, triggering a $500,000 incentive baked into his contract.
And yes, he earned every bit of it.
This wasn’t one of those “coasting to a bonus” stories. Bourne had to grind for that half-million.
After signing with the 49ers in Week 2 to help stabilize a banged-up receiver room, he came out hot - back-to-back 142-yard performances in Weeks 3 and 4 had him flying toward that 500-yard threshold. At the time, it looked like a formality.
But things changed.
As the Niners’ offense got healthier and deeper, Bourne’s role shrank. His targets dried up.
In fact, heading into Monday night, he hadn’t seen a single target in three of the previous four games. That kind of drought would test any player’s patience, especially one sitting just shy of a major financial milestone.
By Week 15, Bourne was stuck at 499 yards - one yard short. After a modest 17-yard outing against the Titans, he took to social media to vent (and laugh) about the near-miss:
“Nawwwww bro I need 1 more yard hahaha nooooo 😅😂”
That one yard finally came on a short throw from Purdy, and with it, the bonus that had been just out of reach for weeks.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just a feel-good moment. Bourne’s contributions earlier in the season mattered - in a big way.
His 142-yard explosion in Week 3 helped power a crucial win over the Rams, a division rival and playoff contender. That game alone could end up being the difference in the NFC West race or even the battle for the No. 1 seed in the conference.
On Monday, Bourne finished with three catches for 27 yards - not eye-popping numbers, but timely ones. With second-year receiver Ricky Pearsall sidelined due to a knee injury, Bourne stepped in and delivered when called upon. That’s the kind of depth championship teams rely on.
Whether or not Pearsall returns soon, Bourne’s presence gives the 49ers a reliable veteran option - a player who’s proven he can produce when needed and stay ready even when the spotlight dims.
And now, after weeks of waiting, he’s got a well-earned $500K to show for it.