What Should the 49ers Do with Kendrick Bourne This Offseason? A Deep Dive into a Pivotal Decision for San Francisco

As the San Francisco 49ers reflect on their successful 2025 season, one question looms large in the minds of general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan: What should they do with Kendrick Bourne this offseason? After finishing the regular season with an impressive 12-5 record, the 49ers found themselves falling short in the playoffs, as they were eliminated by the NFC champion Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round. Despite the team’s success, there are several key roster decisions to be made, and Bourne’s future with the team is at the forefront.

Let’s take a closer look at Kendrick Bourne’s performance, the current state of the 49ers’ receiving corps, and what his potential future in San Francisco might look like.

Kendrick Bourne’s 2025 Season Recap: A Rollercoaster Ride

Bourne’s 2025 season was a tale of unexpected twists. After being released by the New England Patriots just before the start of the season, Bourne found himself back in familiar territory—the 49ers, the team that drafted him in 2017. This reunion seemed to breathe new life into Bourne’s career, as he quickly became a key contributor to the 49ers’ offense.

In the 2025 campaign, Bourne made his mark with 37 receptions for 551 yards. While those numbers may not seem groundbreaking, there were two standout performances that highlighted Bourne’s potential. In back-to-back weeks (Weeks 5 and 6), he posted remarkable 142-yard games, showcasing his deep-threat ability and his knack for making big plays when needed most. However, despite these flashes of brilliance, Bourne’s overall consistency remained a question mark throughout the season.

The 49ers’ Wide Receiver Room: What Are the Options?

Looking ahead, the 49ers’ wide receiver situation is anything but certain. With Bourne’s contract set to expire, San Francisco could be looking at a potential overhaul of their receiving corps. While Jauan Jennings, Brandon Aiyuk, and Skyy Moore remain on the roster, there is a strong possibility that the 49ers may lose some of these key pieces. Jennings, in particular, has shown flashes of potential, but questions remain regarding his long-term fit within the offense.

So, what options does San Francisco have? Well, they may not have many immediate replacements within the current roster, but the 49ers have some intriguing free agent options to consider. Wide receivers like George Pickens (Pittsburgh Steelers), Alec Pierce (Indianapolis Colts), Romeo Doubs (Green Bay Packers), and Rashid Shaheed (New Orleans Saints) could offer the depth and playmaking ability the 49ers need. Additionally, the 2026 NFL draft presents an opportunity for the 49ers to strengthen their receiving unit with young, fresh talent that could potentially make an impact in the coming years.

Kendrick Bourne’s Free Agency Outlook: What Contract Could He Expect?

After playing on a 1-year, $1.7 million deal with the 49ers in 2025, which included several performance-based incentives, Bourne is expected to receive a significantly higher offer this offseason. According to Spotrac, the 28-year-old wideout is projected to sign a 1-year, $3.25 million contract. This increase in value is largely due to his solid contributions to the 49ers’ offense, as well as the potential for a team in need of a veteran wide receiver to snatch him up.

However, given his inconsistent play throughout the season, it remains to be seen if the 49ers will match—or even offer—such a contract. Bourne has undoubtedly shown flashes of greatness, but whether or not he is worth a multi-million dollar deal for another season in San Francisco is a question that Lynch and Shanahan will need to carefully weigh.

Should the 49ers Re-sign Kendrick Bourne? The Big Decision

When evaluating whether or not the 49ers should re-sign Kendrick Bourne, the situation becomes complicated. On one hand, Bourne brings experience, leadership, and a big-play ability that could be valuable in the right role. His familiarity with the team’s system and his past success in San Francisco make him a logical option to bring back. Yet, on the other hand, the 49ers have a much larger task at hand: upgrading their wide receiver room.

As good as Bourne has been at times, his inconsistency in 2025 raises red flags. There were stretches throughout the season where he failed to make a significant impact, and his performance did not consistently match the level of play expected from a top-tier receiver. In a season where the 49ers are determined to make a deeper playoff run and potentially contend for a Super Bowl, settling for a player who has not been consistently reliable might not be the best strategy.

Exploring Potential Upgrades for the 49ers’ Wide Receiver Group

Looking at the bigger picture, the 49ers need to assess their options carefully. While Bourne has shown he can produce, they may need a more dynamic and consistent receiver to complement Aiyuk, who continues to emerge as a star. With other teams around the league looking to add to their receiving corps, the 49ers might want to take a different approach and pursue a more high-profile player who can provide a consistent presence on the field.

In free agency, options like George Pickens, Alec Pierce, and Rashid Shaheed are intriguing. These players offer a combination of youth, speed, and upside that could help the 49ers’ offense evolve. Meanwhile, the draft presents an exciting opportunity for San Francisco to find a hidden gem—someone who could contribute immediately and grow into a key part of the offense in the coming years.

What Will the 49ers Do?

Ultimately, the decision on Kendrick Bourne’s future with the 49ers is one of the many critical decisions Lynch and Shanahan will face this offseason. Will they bring him back, hoping that he can find more consistency and continue to contribute to the offense? Or will they choose to let him go and look to strengthen their wide receiver group with younger, more dynamic options?

As the 49ers look to make their move in free agency and the draft, one thing is for certain: the wide receiver position will be one of the most talked-about areas of focus this offseason. Whether it’s bringing Bourne back for another year or making a splash in the free agent market, the 49ers will need to get this decision right to continue building a championship-caliber roster.

Conclusion: Bourne’s Future and San Francisco’s Quest for a Super Bowl

As the 49ers continue their pursuit of a Super Bowl title, every decision counts. While Kendrick Bourne has had his moments in San Francisco, the 49ers may need to look elsewhere for the consistent, game-changing receiver that can help elevate their offense to the next level. The 2026 offseason will be a crucial one for Lynch and Shanahan as they try to build a team that can compete for the highest honor in football.

What happens with Bourne could very well be a defining moment in the 49ers’ offseason—and in their quest for another championship.