San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne shined in last week's overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams, hauling in 10 receptions for 142 yards. All of those passes came from quarterback Mac Jones, who delivered a gritty performance to lead the 49ers to an overtime victory.
For Bourne, catching passes from Jones isn't new. The two spent three seasons together (2021-2023) with the New England Patriots, the first three years of Jones' NFL career. That experience has allowed Bourne to witness the quarterback's growth up close.
Jones signed a two-year deal with San Francisco in March to serve as Brock Purdy's backup. With Purdy sidelined due to a toe injury, Jones has stepped in and delivered. Bourne, who joined the team after Week 1, already shares a deeper connection with Jones than Purdy—making their on-field chemistry seamless.
On Tuesday, Bourne joined Bay Area radio station KNBR and reflected on reuniting with Jones in Santa Clara.
"Yeah, it's been awesome," Bourne said. "He hasn't changed one bit—not like in his game, but personally. I think he's made a lot of growth and changes. I think he's having more fun. ... He's just, he's just playing free, and I think that's super important for growth in anyone, to have the perspective of the game of that it's a child's game. We can't forget that. We take it serious. It is serious, it's important, but also, finding the joy, and I think that's what I've seen most in him that's different."
While Bourne notices changes in Jones' approach, some familiar traits remain intact.
"But the competitive spirit, how he prepares and everything, is still the same, and I'm just happy to be back around with him," Bourne continued. "It's God's plan, and I never could have thought that I would play with him over here like we played over there his rookie year, and my fifth year, and stuff like that.
"So, it's just a story that I don't think anybody could have written. We talk about it all the time. We text each other after the game, and we're just like, 'Man, we're writing the coolest story,' and it's just dope. And just want to keep putting good things on tape, having good film, and growing as teammates."
One noticeable difference, Bourne adds, is Jones' energy and personality since joining the 49ers.
"He's been able to be more free, and who he is, and showing it," Bourne noted. "Obviously, over there [in New England], it's more strict, it's more blue collar, and that's how they operate. But here, it's more about being yourself, but being a professional at the same time.
"That's what I've learned in my experience in both spaces. It's just different. Every place is different, and I think that's what he's experiencing, and it's been good for him so far."
With Jones thriving in his new environment and Bourne quickly re-establishing himself as a key weapon, the 49ers' offense is benefiting from their reunion.