49ers Are Pressed to Sign Former Wide Receiver in Free Agency...

49ers Are Pressed to Sign Former Wide Receiver in Free Agency

Wide receiver is a subject the San Francisco 49ers need to address, and a reunion in free agency may provide the solution. The 49ers have an arsenal of weapons that is highly skilled, but there could be a change at wide receiver.

There’s a lot on the table with Brandon Aiyuk due for a massive second contract, Deebo Samuel already receiving top compensation, and Jauan Jennings expected to test free agency. Yahoo’s Kyle Madson thinks the 49ers should go after New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne if either Aiyuk, Jennings, or both are headed out.

On February 24, Madson observed, “This one is entirely dependent on how the 49ers operate with their receiving corps.” It seems unlikely that they will go to free agency in search of what would essentially be a fourth wide receiver if they decide to keep both Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk. But bringing in a dependable veteran like Bourne would immediately strengthen their receiving corps in the event that they move Aiyuk or lose Jennings to restricted free agency.

Having played with the 49ers for four seasons, fans are accustomed to seeing Bourne. He has spent the last three years honing his craft with the Patriots, but he is once again available.

Bourne Seizes the Patriots’ Opportunity

Bourne was an undrafted free agent when he joined the NFL, so it’s amazing how his career has worked out. He gained prominence with the 49ers by working his way up to a three-year, $15 million contract with New England.

The best season of his career was 2021, his rookie season with the Patriots. He appeared like a sure thing when he signed, catching 55 catches for 800 yards and five scores, according to Pro Football Reference.

But for the previous two years, his output has decreased by half. That’s partly because of the injury and partly because of the Patriots’ quarterback play and offensive problems. Bourne played in 16 games in 2022, although he only hauled in 35 passes for 434 yards.

Despite playing in just 8 games in 2023, Bourne caught 37 catches for 406 yards and 4 touchdowns. He would have been on track for his greatest year yet if he hadn’t torn his ACL in Week 8.

Should the 49ers invest in Bourne?
The main unanswered question regarding Bourne’s transfer is the ACL rupture. It’s unclear how the 28-year-old will bounce back from that, but San Francisco is aware of what they’re getting with him.

Spotrac estimates that Bourne will get a $14.66 million, three-year contract. It is essentially the same contract as the one the Patriots recently gave him. For that kind of money, Bourne would be getting excellent value if he can reach stats similar to those from his 2021 season.

It’s also important to note that, despite Jennings having produced significantly less, Bourne might wind up being less expensive than Jennings. San Francisco will need to either match or surpass the contract offers made by other teams for Jennings, who is a restricted free agent, in order to sign him.

The first thing Jennings wants is what he wants out of his next deal. However, Bourne is definitely a safe, inexpensive choice to replace the 26-year-old receiver if he does want a change of scenery.