Well, it finally happened. The New England Patriots have released wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, a move that has sent ripples through the NFL. It seems Bourne himself requested the release, and the Patriots, after keeping him on the initial 53-man roster, decided to grant his wish. So, what’s next for the 30-year-old wideout? All signs are pointing to a possible reunion with the San Francisco 49ers.
It’s no secret that the 49ers are on the hunt for wide receivers. They recently traded for Skyy Moore and added Marquez Valdes-Scantling to their roster. Now, with Bourne on the market, it looks like they have “high interest” in bringing him back, according to sources. Bourne was a fan favorite during his time in San Francisco, and coach Kyle Shanahan has always been a big supporter of his. A reunion just makes sense, especially with the 49ers dealing with some injuries in their receiving corps.
Bourne’s time with the Patriots was a mixed bag. He had a great season in 2021 under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, but injuries, including a torn ACL in 2023, have hampered his performance since. The Patriots have also made some key additions at wide receiver, so Bourne’s departure isn’t a huge surprise. By releasing him, the Patriots save some cap space, and Bourne gets a fresh start.
So, will we see Kendrick Bourne back in the red and gold? It’s looking more and more likely. The 49ers need depth, and Bourne needs a team where he can make an impact. It’s a perfect match, really. For more on this developing story, check out the latest from Yahoo Sports, NBC Sports, and The Boston Globe.