The San Francisco 49ers were reportedly interested in reuniting with wide receiver Kendrick Bourne during the offseason as the team navigated the Brandon Aiyuk contract negotiations. There were even reports that the two sides had worked out a framework for a deal. The catch? Aiyuk made it clear he had no interest in playing for the Patriots, effectively nixing the trade.
Aiyuk eventually signed a contract extension with the 49ers, becoming one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. However, on Sunday, he suffered a season-ending torn ACL and MCL, leaving many to wonder if San Francisco might pursue a trade to help fill the void.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated speculates that the 49ers could revisit talks with the Patriots about Bourne.
"The loss of Brandon Aiyuk certainly brings the progress of first-round pick Ricky Pearsall into focus for the San Francisco 49ers," Breer wrote.
Pearsall made his NFL debut on Sunday, just seven weeks after being shot in the chest during a robbery attempt, recording three catches for 21 yards. Breer believes the team could benefit from adding another veteran presence to bolster the receiving corps.
"When the Niners discussed an Aiyuk trade with the New England Patriots during the summer, Kendrick Bourne, whom New England poached from San Francisco in free agency in 2021, was brought up, and San Francisco showed real interest in bringing him back," Breer noted, wondering if the 49ers might revive trade discussions.
Justin Melo of The Draft Network recently named Bourne among three receivers the 49ers should consider trading for following Aiyuk's injury. He notes that the Patriots may be focused on developing their young pass catchers alongside rookie quarterback Drake Maye, making Bourne potentially expendable.
"An eight-year pro, the experienced pass catcher was previously sidelined with injury and hasn't recorded more than two receptions in any single appearance this campaign," Melo wrote. "With a bunch of 400-yard seasons under his belt, there's some untapped potential that isn't being realized in Foxboro.
"If the 49ers are searching for an affordable option that could probably be acquired for a day-three pick swap, they could do worse. Bourne played in San Francisco for coach Shanahan from 2017 to 2020."
Bourne tallied 1,769 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns over four seasons with the 49ers, averaging 12.9 yards per catch. In his four seasons with the Patriots, he has recorded 1,669 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, with a similar average of 12.7 yards per catch.