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49ers Bringing Back One of Their Former WRs After He Was Cut by Patriots

San Francisco is bringing some familiarity back to their offense.
Michael Kadlick|
Kendrick Bourne is signing with the 49ers on a one-year deal.
Kendrick Bourne is signing with the 49ers on a one-year deal. | Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

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San Francisco 49ersNew England Patriots

Kendrick Bourne is headed back to the place that gave him his start in the NFL.

According to multiple reports, the 30-year-old is signing a one-year deal worth up to $5 million with the San Francisco 49ers. Bourne was released by the Patriots just one day after NFL roster cuts late last month.

After a standout collegiate career at Eastern Washington, Bourne signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and spent his first four seasons in the Bay Area, hauling in 137 receptions for 1,769 yards and 11 touchdowns—and also playing in Super Bowl LIV with the club in 2019-20. He then joined the Patriots in 2021 and, over the previous four years in Foxborough, recorded 155 catches for 1,945 yards and 11 touchdowns in 53 games.

He now returns to the 49ers, who kicked off their 2025 campaign on Sunday with a 17-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Should all go smoothly, Bourne will make his season debut this Sunday on the road against the New Orleans Saints.

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Mike Kadlick
MICHAEL KADLICK

Mike Kadlick is an NFL writer for Sports Illustrated. He’s also a New England Patriots reporter for CLNS Media, where he hosts the Patriots Daily podcast and covers the beat from Gillette Stadium. Before joining SI, Kadlick worked at WEEI sports radio in Boston. He holds a master’s degree in public relations from Boston University. When Kadlick’s not covering football, he can be found running, spending time with his wife and dog, and enjoying all things pizza.

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