Kendrick Bourne
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 06: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
When the Washington Commanders finalized their 53-man roster on August, only five wide receivers made the cut.
In today’s NFL, that’s a dangerously thin margin. With Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel forming an impressive one-two punch, Washington has star power at the top. But beyond those names, serious depth questions linger.
That’s why veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is suddenly one of the Commanders’ most intriguing free agents on the market. The timing feels almost too perfect. Bourne was released by the New England Patriots just days earlier, and Washington’s front office is openly exploring options to reinforce their pass-catching unit.
Peters’ Familiarity Strengthens the Fit
General manager Adam Peters knows Bourne better than most. Back in 2017, Peters was part of the San Francisco 49ers front office that signed Bourne as an undrafted free agent. Bourne quickly made a name for himself in the Bay Area as a gritty, dependable wideout who delivered in clutch situations.
When Peters looks at the Commanders’ thin receiver depth, he sees a player he personally vouched for, developed and watched succeed.
Bourne’s style meshes well with Washington’s needs, too. At 6-foot-1, he has the size to line up outside but the versatility to slide into the slot. His precise route running and reliable hands would complement McLaurin’s deep-ball skills and Samuel’s yards-after-catch dynamism.
More importantly, he’d give Jayden Daniels another trustworthy target as the Commanders look to maximize their offense in Year 2 under Dan Quinn and Kliff Kingsbury.
One injury to McLaurin or Samuel could derail the passing attack and place enormous pressure on Daniels and the young running game. Bourne represents an insurance policy and an immediate contributor who can stabilize the rotation.
He’s also the kind of locker-room presence Washington values. Known for his infectious energy and leadership, Bourne has been a respected veteran everywhere he’s played. For a Commanders offense still developing its identity, adding that kind of experience could be invaluable.
Of course, Washington isn’t the only suitor. Bourne is also visiting the San Francisco 49ers, his first NFL home. He spent his first four seasons with the team, amassing 137 catches for 1,769 yards and 11 touchdowns in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
San Francisco general manager John Lynch acknowledged earlier this week that the team has been in conversations with Bourne. With Brandon Aiyuk’s contract situation looming and Samuel returning healthy, Bourne could provide valuable depth in an offense that thrives on timing and trust.
The 49ers already know Bourne fits their system, and quarterback Brock Purdy would surely welcome another reliable option in a stacked but physically demanding receiving corps.
Bourne’s four seasons in New England had highs and lows. His best year came in 2021, when he recorded 55 catches for 800 yards and five touchdowns. Over his Patriots tenure, he tallied 152 receptions, 1,944 yards, and 12 scores.
While inconsistency and injuries limited him, he still built a reputation as a dependable, professional wideout. That’s why, at 29 years old, playoff-caliber teams are already lining up for meetings.
What Happens Next
The sequence of visits matters. Bourne is set to meet with the 49ers first on Monday, followed by the Commanders on Tuesday. If San Francisco pushes hard, Washington may not get their chance. But if the reunion falls through, the Commanders will be positioned to strike.
Despite the 49ers’ need for receivers at the moment, Washington is lacking veteran mentors in the room. Either way, his next contract could significantly impact a team hoping to make a playoff push in 2025.