The San Francisco 49ers are reuniting with veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, agreeing to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million, according to his agent, Henry Organ. The move brings Bourne back to the team where he began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent in 2017.
San Francisco’s decision to sign Bourne addresses a critical need at the receiver position, which has been depleted by injuries and a suspension. The team’s depth was recently impacted by a left shoulder injury to Jauan Jennings, a knee injury to Brandon Aiyuk, an ankle sprain for rookie Jordan Watkins, and a suspension for Demarcus Robinson.
The 49ers had shown immediate interest after Bourne was released by the New England Patriots on August 27. Following San Francisco’s 17-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the team’s continued pursuit of the receiver.
“I know he hasn’t signed with anyone, so I know it’s a possibility we can get him,” Shanahan said. “I know we’re still trying. Hopefully that can work out.”
After his release, Bourne visited with the 49ers and the Washington Commanders last week but did not sign a contract, opting to evaluate his options after Week 1.
Now entering his ninth NFL season, Bourne spent his first four years with the 49ers before joining the Patriots for the past four seasons. Over his career, he has recorded 292 receptions for 3,714 yards and 22 touchdowns.
To finalize the signing, the 49ers will need to make a corresponding move to clear a spot on the active roster. The team’s lack of healthy options was evident in their last game, where Ricky Pearsall and the now-injured Jennings were the only wide receivers to record a catch.
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