San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne hopes his NFL career continues right where it restarted—in the Bay Area.
Bourne rejoined the 49ers after Week 1 of the 2025 season, providing valuable depth to a roster hit hard by injuries. The veteran wideout went on to finish his ninth NFL season with 37 receptions for 551 yards, proving he can still produce when called upon. He delivered back-to-back 142-yard performances in Weeks 5 and 6, reminding the 49ers' offense of his big-play ability.
Appearing this week on former NFL cornerback Richard Sherman's podcast, Bourne made it clear that returning to San Francisco for Year 10 is his preference.
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"I'm trying to come back," Bourne said. "I talk to Kyle—you know Kyle—got a good relationship with him. We had a good exit meeting, so I'm trying to make it happen. That's always the goal. San Francisco is home. And so, coming back, having a good year was powerful.
"So I'm trying to run it back. Money talks, but that's just definitely home, so that's holding a special place in my heart."
As Bourne approaches free agency next month, his decision won't hinge on the now-infamous electrical substation located near the 49ers' practice facility and Levi's Stadium. The substation has drawn attention amid speculation that it could be linked to the team's recent injury issues, though there is no evidence to support that theory.
Still, Bourne couldn't resist joking about it, admitting that he has some concerns.
He noted that the grass on the 49ers' practice fields tends to turn brown over time, while nearby soccer fields, farther from the substation, appear unaffected.
"I just started driving past, noticing," Bourne said. "So, I don't know, [49ers owner] Jed [York]."
Laughing, he added, "I'm just trolling, but it be brown. I'm like, 'Why the grass brown?' It's not too rainy in San Fran. It ain't too hot. It should really be green. So, I'm a conspiracy theorist, bro, but it's just crazy. It's too many injuries, so [49ers GM] John [Lynch] said he's gonna go look into it."
Sherman added that the 49ers have attempted to acquire the adjacent soccer field property for years but have been unable to reach a deal with the city of Santa Clara. He noted the organization would likely be happy to build replacement soccer fields elsewhere if the two sides reached an agreement.
While the substation debate may continue to spark jokes and speculation, Bourne's priorities are clear. The veteran wide receiver wants to return to the 49ers, and if both sides can agree financially, Bourne spending at least one more season next to the electrical substation is a strong possibility.
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