Kendrick Bourne, Denver Broncos
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Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on before a game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Denver Broncos’ plans at wide receiver could include an outsider, but perhaps not one of the several that have been speculatively linked to them in recent weeks. Instead, the Broncos could have eyes for veteran Kendrick Bourne.
Bourne is entering his 10th NFL season, and the Broncos would be his third team.
A former undrafted free agent, Bourne’s game projects as a fine fit alongside Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.
Broncos Linked to Kenrick Bourne
Kendrick Bourne 49ers Adam Schefter
GettyKendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers runs out of the tunnel before the NFC Divisional Round Playoffs against the Minnesota Vikings.
“Source says the #Broncos have reached out to express interest in free-agent WR Kendrick Bourne,” The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson reported on X on March 9.
Tomasson followed up with additional context from Bourne.
The veteran said “I don’t really know what will happen,” but that he is “being patient” in free agency, per Tomasson, adding that he sees himself “ as a 3rd-down strength” and citing his versatility and locker room presence.
Bourne turns 31 in August, and he is coming off a 31-reception, 551-yard season with the San Francisco 49ers. He has a 329-4,265-22 line for his career.
He has also played for the New England Patriots.
Kendrick Bourne Projected to Land Bargain Contract
Kendrick Bourne 49ers
GettyKendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Athletic’s Daniel Popper ranked Bourne as the 143rd overall free agent in the class, and the 15th-best wide receiver on the open market. Popper pointed to a short burst from Bourne that was preceded and followed by lulls this past season.
“The majority of Bourne’s 2025 production came during a two-game span in Weeks 5 and 6, showing chemistry with 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones,” Popper wrote in February. “He fell off from Week 7 on, ranking 76th in yards per route run among receivers with at least 150 routes in that span. Bourne is a good short-area route runner, and he has some yards-after-the-catch ability when he has space.”
Bourne is coming off a one-year, $1.8 million contract with the 49ers. He has earned $30.9 million in his career. However, Bourne could still be available to the Broncos on a relatively cheap deal this offseason.
Popper projected a one-year, $1.7 million agreement for Bourne. Spotrac projected him to land a one-year, $3.3 million pact.
Over The Cap has the Broncos at $34.7 million below the limit; plenty of room for Bourne.
Broncos Getting Bad News on Rumored Targets
Jalen Nailor, Minnesota Vikings
GettyJalen Nailor #1 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Atlanta Falcons.
Many of the speculative targets for the Broncos have come off the board early during the legal tampering period. That includes a wide receiver. That could make Bourne more appealing as an option for the Broncos.
“The Broncos were interested in signing Jalen Nailor, who had 444 receiving yards last year,” DNVR’s Zac Stevens reported on X on March 9.
“Raiders land him instead.”
Nailor was not the only one the Broncos missed out on. Jacksonville Jaguars free agent running back Travis Etienne landing with Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s former team, the New Orleans Saints, during the early window.
Etienne was a potential replacement for J.K. Dobbins, who could still return.
“One problem with free agency is it’s about the parts when football more than any sport is about the sum,” 9News’ Mike Klis posted on X in reaction to Etienne, noting “The #Broncos sum was 14-3 and top 4 team when their QB went down,” and “Broncos signed 10 top players in 2024-25 so they wouldn’t need to replace holes thru free agency.”