Kendrick Bourne is eager for another chapter with the San Francisco 49ers. After a stint with the New England Patriots, Bourne returned to the Bay Area last season and became a key player in the 49ers' receiving corps.
Currently, Bourne is on the verge of free agency, with his one-year contract coming to an end. He's among four 49ers receivers facing this situation as the new league year approaches in March. Despite this, Bourne has expressed a strong desire to stay, especially after a positive meeting with head coach Kyle Shanahan.
“I’m trying to come back,” Bourne shared on the “Richard Sherman Podcast.” “I talked to Kyle.
We have a good relationship, and our exit meeting went well. That’s always the goal.”
For Bourne, San Francisco feels like home. “Coming back and having a good year was powerful. Money talks, but San Francisco holds a special place in my heart,” he added.
In the 2025 season, Bourne posted 37 receptions for 551 yards over 16 games, starting in eight. Previously, his contract with the 49ers was valued at $1.765 million, but projections suggest he could command around $6 million annually if the team opts to retain him.
Reflecting on his earlier departure from the 49ers in 2020, Bourne emphasized the importance of leaving on good terms. This approach paved the way for his seamless return. He advised other players to maintain positive relationships with former teams, noting, “You never know when you might need to come back.”
With the potential departure of Brandon Aiyuk, Bourne’s return could be crucial for the 49ers' depth at wide receiver. He's already shown he can be a dependable target for quarterback Brock Purdy, making his potential return a strategic move for the team.