The San Francisco 49ers may not be done adding to their wide receiver room. On Wednesday, NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco reported that the 49ers have "high interest" in bringing back Kendrick Bourne if the New England Patriots release him. Hours later, the move became official, making the veteran wideout a free agent.
The interest comes as no surprise. Bourne spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the 49ers before signing with New England in 2021. He quickly became a fan favorite in San Francisco thanks to his energy and playmaking ability.
The 49ers recently agreed to terms with wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who is joining the team's practice squad. Still, with multiple injuries thinning the receiver depth chart, the front office could look to further strengthen the group before Week 1's NFC West matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
General manager John Lynch joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Thursday morning, when he was asked directly about the team's interest in Bourne.
"No new news," Lynch said. "Anytime a really good football player, who we had ties to—Kendrick started his career here—becomes available, there's obviously going to be discussions. We're trying to evaluate the pertinent information. Kendrick has been hurt in training camp there, so trying to see exactly where he's at and having conversations.
"But we'll let that play out. We'll continue to look into it. Any player who can help us improve our roster, we'll look into, and that's where that is."
Bourne (6-1, 205) has missed 14 games over the last two seasons. In 2024, the 30-year-old wideout posted just 28 receptions for 305 yards and one touchdown, his lowest yardage output since his rookie season in 2017 with the 49ers.