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**Headline: 49ers Bring Back Familiar Face: Kendrick Bourne Signs One-Year Deal**

**SANTA CLARA, CA –** The San Francisco 49ers have bolstered their receiver corps by signing veteran Kendrick Bourne to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. The move comes after a series of injuries and a suspension left the team thin at the position following their hard-fought 17-13 victory against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Bourne, who began his NFL career with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2017, returns to the Bay Area after being released by the New England Patriots last week. His agent, Henry Organ, confirmed the agreement on Monday morning.

Head Coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged the team’s interest in Bourne after Sunday’s game, citing a need for experienced players familiar with the 49ers’ system. The receiver room has been hit hard with injuries to Jauan Jennings (shoulder), Brandon Aiyuk (knee), and rookie Jordan Watkins (ankle sprain), compounded by Demarcus Robinson’s suspension.

“I know he hasn’t signed with anyone, so I know it’s a possibility we can get him,” Shanahan said on Sunday. “I know we’re still trying. Hopefully that can work out.”

The reunion materialized after Bourne explored other options, including a visit to the Washington Commanders. However, the allure of returning to San Francisco, where he spent the first four years of his career, proved too strong. He had not practiced with the Patriots since August 1st because of an injury he sustained in a scrimmage.

Bourne brings a wealth of experience to the 49ers’ offense, boasting 292 receptions for 3,714 yards and 22 touchdowns over his eight-year career, split evenly between San Francisco and New England. In Sunday’s game only Ricky Pearsall and Jennings caught passes amongst the WR group. Other WRs that saw playing time were Russell Gage Jr., Skyy Moore and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

The 49ers will need to make a corresponding roster move to finalize Bourne’s signing. The addition of Bourne provides much needed depth and familiarity to the Niners’ passing game as they look to continue their winning ways.

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