The San Francisco 49ers are speaking with Kendrick Bourne about a new deal. Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group spoke with the wide receiver, who is scheduled to hit free agency next month. Bourne hopes to return to the team that signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2017 but knows that the NFL is unpredictable.
"I love the Niners, though, and they're still in the conversation with me," Bourne told Inman. "They've told me they want me back, so that's definitely still an option.
"They've got me as a good priority, I feel. They show a lot interest and are trying to get something done. I'm not their top priority, but they appreciate everything I've done the last few years. It's a good relationship, and the building is awesome."
Right now, the 49ers' top priority is probably offensive tackle Trent Williams, for whom the team traded last April. The anchor along the offensive line could be the team's biggest expense this offseason.
Bourne, 25, is one of nearly 40 Niners who played on the final year of their deals last season. He registered 49 receptions for 667 yards with two touchdowns through 15 games in 2020. Thirty-five of those receptions resulted in first downs, per Pro Football Focus. Bourne's reception total and receiving yards were both career-highs.
"I'm trying to get back to the Super Bowl," Bourne added, "and that's going to be a big part of my decision."
The receiver also shared his pick for Sunday's big game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Needless to say, Bourne won't be pulling for the team that kept his 49ers from earning a championship a year ago.
"I'm definitely going for Brady because Mahomes took my ring," Bourne said. "I want Tom to get his seventh. I'm definitely still salty from last year."
Bourne voiced his opinion on the 49ers quarterback situation, which has dominated team headlines since the end of the regular season. Rumors and speculation have been spreading rampantly on social media, as many seem ready to replace Jimmy Garoppolo.
"They're just rumors right now and people trying to spike taps on their articles," Bourne told Inman. "They don't really know what's going on in the building. Sure, they might be negotiating to bring in another QB or draft somebody, but that's business, and if they bring in another QB, Jimmy's going to be there to compete for the spot."