In 2025, the San Francisco 49ers reunited with a familiar face, bringing back veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne to stabilize the receiving corps amid early-season injuries.
Now, with NFL free agency approaching, the 49ers must determine whether Bourne fits into their long-term plans — and at what price.
"He's the kind of guy that has that personality where we can have fun with it," quarterback Brock Purdy said of Bourne in December. "But at the end of the day, K.B.'s going to do what it takes to help this team win, whether he catches the ball or not, and he's blocking. K.B.'s a dog that we all love going to war with."
Bourne, 30, finished the 2025 season with 37 receptions for 551 yards while playing 57% of the team's offensive snaps. He is one of several 49ers wide receivers set to hit free agency in the coming weeks.
What is Kendrick Bourne's market value?
Re-signing Bourne will be far less expensive than retaining fellow wideout Jauan Jennings, who is also headed for free agency. The 49ers could again pursue an incentive-heavy structure similar to the one-year deal Bourne signed after Week 1 of the 2025 season.
According to Spotrac, Bourne's projected market value is $3.3 million annually, ranking 51st among NFL wide receivers. The site estimates he would likely command a one-year deal at that figure — a reasonable raise from his 2025 earnings.
The 49ers certainly have the salary cap space to keep Bourne on a modest contract. The bigger question is how the front office plans to reshape the wide receiver room this offseason.
If Bourne seeks multi-year security, the 49ers could allow him to test the market before revisiting negotiations. That strategy wouldn't necessarily close the door on a return but would give the team a clearer sense of his value.
The interest between player and team is clearly mutual.
"I'm trying to come back," Bourne recently 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."
Of course, he added that his return will ultimately depend on how contract negotiations unfold.
Impact of a Kendrick Bourne departure
If Bourne departs in NFL free agency, the 49ers' wide receiver depth could thin out quickly. Jennings and Skyy Moore are also scheduled to become free agents, while Brandon Aiyuk's time with the team appears to be over.
Meanwhile, Ricky Pearsall is coming off his second NFL season, with his development being slowed by injuries.
The 49ers' front office could pivot in several directions — pursuing a higher-profile veteran via trade or free agency, or investing in younger, cheaper talent through the NFL Draft. Regardless of the team's direction, upgrading the wide receiver room remains one of San Francisco's top offseason priorities.