49ers beat out an NFC contender by signing a familiar face from their past to give the team a new weapon with injuries piling up
It’s time to welcome him back to San Francisco
The San Francisco 49ers already needed more depth at WR before Week 1 with Brandon Aiyuk missing the start of the year and Jauan Jennings’ contract situation going to the wire. The news of star TE George Kittle now expected to miss multiple weeks intensified things, though.
Thankfully, a player familiar with head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system was available, and they got the deal across the finish line. Former 49ers WR Kendrick Bourne has agreed to a deal to return to San Francisco.
49ers sign WR Kendrick Bourne
The 49ers had Bourne in for a visit last week, but he ultimately left without a deal. He even took another visit with the Washington Commanders. It seems the opportunity for playing time right away with the 49ers, paired with his familiarity with Shanahan’s system, enticed Bourne.
Bourne now returns to the spot where he began his NFL career. He was with the team for four seasons from 2017 to 2020. During that time, he appeared in 58 games and recorded 137 catches, 1,769 yards, and 11 touchdowns. After four years away, he will likely be asked to play significant snaps on offense.
He should be able to hit the ground running, as he already knows the ins and outs of Shanahan’s system. And the 49ers could use any production they can get since Kittle and Aiyuk are already set to miss multiple weeks, and Jennings’ status remains up in the air.
The biggest worry on the 49ers’ minds right now, though, is the status of QB Brock Purdy, who is dealing with a shoulder and toe injury. So, Bourne may not know who he will be catching passes from in Week 2, but the WR is still pumped to return to San Francisco.
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