Free agent wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has decided not to sign with either the San Francisco 49ers or the Washington Commanders as of now and will not play in Week 1 of the 2025 National Football League season. According to a report from NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, citing a source, Bourne visited both teams but chose to wait before joining any roster.
Earlier this week, the 49ers made a formal contract offer to Bourne. However, an agreement was not reached, according to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, citing a source. Following that development, Bourne met with the Commanders, but no deal was finalized.
General manager John Lynch confirmed on KNBR 680 that the team expressed interest in bringing back Bourne after he was released by the New England Patriots last week. Lynch said on “Murph and Markus,” “Any time a really good football player who we had ties to — you know, Kendrick started his career here — becomes available, there’s obviously going to be discussions (…) We’re trying to evaluate the pertinent information.”
The 49ers promoted Marquez Valdes-Scantling from their practice squad to the active roster while releasing Russell Gage Jr., who was later re-signed to the practice squad. Gage could still be elevated for Sunday’s game.
As of now, San Francisco plans to move forward with its current group of wide receivers but may reconsider Bourne if there is a need for him in future weeks.
