Even though they walked away with a nail-biting victory over the Seattle Seahawks, the San Francisco 49ers could not have been mightily impressed with their performance in the first week of the 2025 season. The offense wasn’t as explosive as it has been in years past, and the defense was mediocre against a porous Seahawks attack. Add in the struggles of newly signed quarterback Brock Purdy, and it was a recipe for disaster.
However, the problems for the 49ers went far beyond their performance in the contest. After having traded Deebo Samuel in the offseason and starting the year with Brandon Aiyuk still returning to health, the offense had to rely heavily on Jauan Jennings and George Kittle in the passing game. Unfortunately, both players suffered injuries in Week 1 that could keep them out for multiple weeks. As a result, San Francisco had to make a shocking free agent signing.
San Francisco 49ers Try to Find Wide Receiver Depth for Brock Purdy
Without a consistent pass-catching group on the field, the struggles were visibly apparent for Purdy. While he threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning dart to Jake Tonges, it came with two interceptions.
To make matters worse, Purdy’s situation might not improve soon, with his designated WR1 and superstar tight end exiting the game with some ailments. Seeing no other option, the Niners brought in some help via free agency.
NFL insider Adam Schefter broke the news on X, reporting, “Kendrick Bourne is returning home to the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year deal with a max value of $5 million, per @HenryOrgann and @AgentBigAl of @DisruptiveSports.”
An undrafted free agent signing in 2017 for San Francisco, he spent the first four years of his career with the organization before spending the next four with the New England Patriots. He has tallied 292 receptions in that timeframe for 3,714 yards and 22 touchdowns through the air.
Read More: Jauan Jennings Injury Update: Latest on 49ers WR After Exiting in Week 1 vs. Seahawks
He has consistently put up solid numbers at both his pit stops as an Eastern Washington product. The best-case scenario for the 49ers would be hoping that Bourne regains his 2021 form, when he tallied 800 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Kendrick Bourne is returning home to the San Francisco 49ers on a 1-year deal with a max value of $5 million, per @HenryOrgann and @AgentBigAl of @DisruptiveSports. pic.twitter.com/uBWDQgisSc
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 8, 2025
That year, he suddenly became a threat on the ground, adding 125 yards in just 12 carries over the season. He hasn’t met either of those marks in the other seven years of his career combined.
Ricky Pearsall showed promise as the bridge until the Niners have their full contingent back on the field. However, a player like Bourne could provide valuable snaps to the offense in limited doses.
