The San Francisco 49ers are reuniting with a familiar face. Veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is reportedly signing a one-year deal worth up to $5 million after being released by the New England Patriots, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Kendrick Bourne is returning home to the San Francisco 49ers on a 1-year deal with a max value of $5 million, per @HenryOrgann and @AgentBigAl of @DisruptiveSports. pic.twitter.com/uBWDQgisSc
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 8, 2025
The 49ers extended the contract offer following Bourne's workout in Santa Clara last week. The 30-year-old chose to wait until after Week 1 to evaluate his options, also visiting the Washington Commanders before deciding to return to San Francisco.
Bourne (6-1, 205) first joined the 49ers in 2017 as an undrafted free agent and spent four seasons in Kyle Shanahan's offense before signing with New England in 2021. That season marked his best statistical year, posting 55 receptions for 800 yards and five touchdowns.
Since then, injuries and competition on the Patriots' depth chart slowed his production, with Bourne averaging just 382 receiving yards per season over the last three years. Across his eight NFL seasons, he has totaled 3,714 yards and 22 touchdowns.
His return comes at a crucial moment for the 49ers' receiving corps. Jauan Jennings exited Sunday's opener against the Seattle Seahawks with a shoulder injury, while Brandon Aiyuk began the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as he recovers from ACL and MCL injuries. Second-year wideout Jacob Cowing is working his way back from a torn hamstring, and rookie Jordan Watkins, inactive in Week 1, is returning from a high-ankle sprain suffered during the preseason.
San Francisco will also be without veteran Demarcus Robinson until Week 4 as he serves a suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. Additionally, tight end George Kittle suffered a hamstring injury against the Seahawks.
By bringing back Bourne, the 49ers are betting on his familiarity with Shanahan's system to provide quarterback Brock Purdy with a reliable, veteran target.