Two former 49ers receivers have vastly different debuts with new teams

Two wide receivers who left the San Francisco 49ers in free agency during the offseason played their first games with their new teams in Week 1. Jauan Jennings joined the Minnesota Vikings after failing to garner the free-agent interest he anticipated, while Kendrick Bourne remained in the NFC West, signing with the Arizona Cardinals.

Both wideouts played in Week 1, but they had vastly different results.

Jennings played 31 offensive snaps against the Green Bay Packers. He was targeted just once and did not record a catch. In his final two seasons with the 49ers (2024-25), Jennings totaled 132 receptions for 1,618 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Bourne was much more active in the Cardinals' win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He was targeted eight times over 50 offensive snaps, hauling in all eight passes for 75 yards.

Bourne recorded 37 receptions for 551 receiving yards last season with the 49ers.

San Francisco revamped its wide receiver room this offseason, allowing Jennings and Bourne to depart while adding Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, and drafting De'Zhaun Stribling. Kirk started the season on injured reserve with a calf injury, while Stribling suffered an ankle injury in Week 1 and is expected to miss at least four weeks.

The 49ers will face the Cardinals twice this season, hosting Arizona in Week 3 at Levi's Stadium before traveling to State Farm Stadium for the Week 18 matchup. San Francisco and Minnesota will also meet in Week 11 when the teams clash in Mexico City at the iconic Estadio Banorte.

For now, Bourne has made the stronger first impression with his new team, while Jennings seeks to become more involved in Minnesota's offense as the season progresses.

Mentioned in this article: Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, De'Zhaun Stribling