Kendrick Bourne Reportedly Released by Patriots, Linked to 49ers in NFL Free Agency

The New England Patriots are reportedly saying goodbye to one of their veterans in the wide receiver room.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Wednesday that the Patriots are releasing veteran receiver Kendrick Bourne as they continue to shape their roster for the 2025 season.

Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reported the San Francisco 49ers have "high interest" in bringing Bourne back after his release. Bourne played in San Francisco from 2017 to 2020.

CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported that Bourne requested and received his release from the Patriots after a potential trade with the Minnesota Vikings "fell through." Jones added that 49ers "appear to be a top suitor" for the 30-year-old, but he could also "draw interest" from other teams like the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bourne spent the last four seasons with the Patriots after spending the first four years of his career with the 49ers. He recorded career highs of 55 catches, 800 yards and five touchdowns in his first year in New England in 2021, but he hasn't been able to sustain that level of production.

In 12 games in 2024 after beginning the year on the PUP list, Bourne finished with just 28 catches for 305 yards and one touchdown. It was his third straight year with fewer than 500 receiving yards.

Pelissero noted that Bourne is "now healthy" after missing the majority of training camp with a foot injury. It sounds like he will have multiple suitors in free agency, so he shouldn't be on the open market for too long.