Kendrick Bourne cherished his return to the San Francisco 49ers this season. After all, it was the organization and city where his NFL journey began, when he signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017.
While Bourne's overall numbers were modest—finishing with 551 receiving yards—he showed he still has plenty left in the tank.
In a recent conversation with Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, Bourne admitted that returning to the 49ers for his 10th NFL season is an appealing possibility. However, he also acknowledged the business side of the league, noting that any deal would need to make financial sense for both sides.
Even so, the opportunity to continue playing in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense remains enticing.
"Kyle fits everything that I do, so that's what I've been talking to, trying to [say], 'Hey, I'm trying to come back,' have them understand," Bourne said. "That's always the main focus, but finding a good opportunity, that's what I look at, and just the game, the business of it. Money talks, but it's not all about the money for me. I'm trying to have some good experiences, win some games, and the Niners do that for me. They can give me both ways.
"So, just looking at it like that, not overthinking it, working out, grinding, posting good content of how I'm looking, so teams understand that I'm grinding and I still got some juice in me. That's just how I approach it."
Bourne spoke to Shanahan after the 49ers' playoff run ended, and both sides expressed a desire to potentially continue working together.
"We have a good relationship, just from the beginning," Bourne said of Shanahan. "It was a natural, organic conversation, just about ways I can get better. Gave him some advice, too, and just little things that I see as a veteran now, that I feel like I can say, that I couldn't probably say when I was younger.
"Just little things like that, that we can try to help grow next year if I am back. But even if I don't, I want to help him and give him a perspective of how I seen things, and how things can get better."
The 49ers brought Bourne back after Week 1 due to depth concerns at wide receiver—concerns that remain heading into the offseason. Brandon Aiyuk is unlikely to return, Jauan Jennings is set to hit free agency, and second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall dealt with injuries throughout the season.
Whether it's with the 49ers or another team, Bourne made it clear he's willing to embrace any role asked of him.
"I don't care about being number one, number two," Bourne said. "I understand that I can play a role. I want to come in on third down and dominate. Dominate one-on-ones playing the slot, being versatile, whatever coach needs.
"But then, I showed this year that I can be a number one when the time's needed."
The veteran wide receiver delivered back-to-back 142-yard performances in Weeks 5 and 6, reminding the 49ers and the rest of the league of his playmaking ability.
The Bay Area continues to hold a special place in his heart, and Bourne hopes the two sides can reach an agreement to keep him in San Francisco.
"San Fran is home, as we know," Bourne said. "Me coming home this year was one of the best experiences of my life, and [one] that I never thought I'd go through. So, that is holding strong in my heart, and that's kind of where I'm at. So, come on, Kyle!"