The San Francisco 49ers are considering a trade for wide receiver Kendrick Bourne as they navigate the uncertainty surrounding Jauan Jennings’ 49ers WR future. This move comes after the team traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason, relying on Jennings and rookie Ricky Pearsall to fill the void. Injuries and ongoing contract issues have made it difficult for the 49ers to solidify their receiving options ahead of the 2025 season.
With Brandon Aiyuk’s return from injury still unclear and Jennings’ contract situation unresolved, the 49ers are once again searching for dependable targets to support their quarterback’s success on the field.
Trade Talk: Kendrick Bourne Could Rejoin the 49ers
The 49ers’ receiving lineup looks different but not definitively stronger for the upcoming season. After Samuel’s production declined, the team anticipated moving on and supplemented the group by drafting Pearsall last year. However, depth concerns surfaced early when Jacob Cowing suffered an injury during the first day of training camp.
Despite these setbacks, Jennings has remained a positive presence during practice, showing focus and agility despite his unresolved contract. Nevertheless, San Francisco is seeking additional dependable receivers, making a return for Bourne a logical option.
Bourne began his NFL career with the 49ers in 2017, contributing consistently though not as a primary target. His best season with the team was in 2020, when he recorded 49 receptions for 667 yards and two touchdowns. After leaving for the New England Patriots in free agency in 2021, Bourne saw a breakthrough in his career.
However, his role with the Patriots has diminished recently. Brandon Austin wrote,
“Bourne’s future with the Patriots is uncertain, as he totaled just 28 catches for 305 yards and one touchdown over 12 games in 2024 after recovering from a torn ACL suffered midway through the 2023 season. The depth chart was already crowded with DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Javon Baker,”
This context explains why a trade back to San Francisco could benefit both Bourne and the 49ers, as noted in PFSN’s projections of potential training camp trades.
Financial and Strategic Benefits for the 49ers
From a financial perspective, the trade could be advantageous to San Francisco. Bourne is under contract through 2026, but much of his deal is not guaranteed, allowing the 49ers flexibility should they need to move on after the 2024-25 season. Bringing Bourne back would add a reliable veteran presence to the receiver rotation, especially valuable while Aiyuk works toward a full recovery.
Ideally, if the 49ers’ receiving corps remains healthy, Bourne would slot into the fifth or sixth receiver spot, behind Demarcus Robinson and Jacob Cowing. However, given current uncertainties, acquiring him for a modest cost, such as a low-round draft pick, makes practical sense as a form of insurance against further injuries or setbacks.
This reunion presents a familiar opportunity for Bourne to contribute immediately in a system he knows well, even if his role may be smaller than what he sought with the Patriots.
Looking Ahead: How This Could Shape the 49ers’ Season
San Francisco’s efforts to reinforce their receiving group illustrate how crucial depth and reliability are in maintaining offensive consistency. The possible addition of Bourne would offer stability and veteran savvy amid concerns over Jennings’ contract and Aiyuk’s recovery timeline.
Ultimately, strengthening their wide receiver unit in this way may prove vital to the 49ers’ hopes for a competitive season, providing the quarterback with dependable targets regardless of unforeseen challenges.