Things appeared to be going upward for New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne after the 2021 season.

Bourne had just finished his first season with the Patriots after signing a three-year, $15 million contract with the team during the previous offseason. He recorded career highs in receptions (55) and receiving yards (800), and he appeared to be on the fast track to increased playing time.

Since then, a lack of production and a severe injury – a torn ACL midway through the 2023 campaign – have derailed his trajectory, as he has yet to surpass 450 receiving yards in a single season since.

This also makes a fresh start with a new team appealing, and Pro Football Network’s Brandon Austin believes that such a move could be in the cards for Bourne.

According to Austin, the San Francisco 49ers are the franchise that could benefit the most from having another wideout added to their rotation. The move would also serve as a reunion for Bourne, as he played for the 49ers from 2017 to 2020.

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.

“San Francisco moved on from Pro Bowl wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. this offseason, sending him to the Commanders. Meanwhile, Brandon Aiyuk suffered a significant knee injury last season, and his recovery timeline could force the 49ers to hit the trade market for a veteran receiver,” Austin wrote. “With Samuel gone and Aiyuk coming off an injury, the 49ers will be relying on Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall to step up in 2025. Bourne is a veteran who Kyle Shanahan knows and could be an insurance policy at receiver.”

Uncertainty surrounding Bourne’s role with the Patriots this fall makes the deal even more of a possibility.

“With Bourne turning 30 in August and the Patriots already bringing in Diggs and Mack Hollins as veteran presences, his role in New England looks shaky,” Austin wrote. “Given his limited role and the lack of clarity around his fit within New England’s rebuild, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him moved.”

Since signing with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Washington University, Bourne has played in 111 NFL games and accumulated 292 receptions, 3,714 receiving yards, and 22 receiving touchdowns.