49ers WR Kendrick Bourne Wants to Re-Sign Despite Substation Concerns

Veteran wide receiver calls San Francisco 'home' and hopes to return for 10th NFL season.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is a free agent this offseason, but he made it clear in a recent podcast interview that he wants to re-sign with the team. Bourne, who rejoined the 49ers midway through the 2025 season, said San Francisco is 'home' and that he has a good relationship with head coach Kyle Shanahan. However, Bourne couldn't resist joking about the electrical substation near the 49ers' practice facility, which has drawn speculation about potential links to the team's injury issues, though there is no evidence to support that theory.

Why it matters

Bourne's potential return to the 49ers is significant because he provided valuable depth and production to the team's receiving corps last season. As the 49ers look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign, retaining Bourne's experience and big-play ability could be an important piece of the puzzle. The substation debate, while mostly speculative, highlights the unique challenges the 49ers face at their current practice facility and stadium location.

The details

Bourne, a 9-year NFL veteran, rejoined the 49ers in Week 1 of the 2025 season and went on to catch 37 passes for 551 yards. He had back-to-back 142-yard receiving games in Weeks 5 and 6, showcasing his big-play potential. As he approaches free agency, Bourne made it clear that his preference is to remain in San Francisco, where he feels at home. However, he couldn't resist joking about the electrical substation near the 49ers' practice facility, noting that the grass on the team's fields tends to turn brown while nearby soccer fields remain green. 49ers GM John Lynch has acknowledged looking into the substation issue, though there is no evidence linking it to the team's injury problems.

  • Bourne rejoined the 49ers after Week 1 of the 2025 season.
  • Bourne is set to become a free agent in March 2026.

The players

Kendrick Bourne

A 9-year NFL veteran wide receiver who played for the San Francisco 49ers in 2025 and is set to become a free agent in 2026.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, with whom Bourne has a good relationship.

John Lynch

The general manager of the San Francisco 49ers, who has acknowledged looking into the electrical substation issue near the team's facilities.

Jed York

The owner of the San Francisco 49ers.

Richard Sherman

A former NFL cornerback who hosts a podcast that Bourne appeared on.

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What they’re saying

“I'm trying to come back. I talk to Kyle—you know Kyle—got a good relationship with him. We had a good exit meeting, so I'm trying to make it happen. That's always the goal. San Francisco is home. And so, coming back, having a good year was powerful.”

— Kendrick Bourne, Wide Receiver (Richard Sherman's Podcast)

“Money talks, but that's just definitely home, so that's holding a special place in my heart.”

— Kendrick Bourne, Wide Receiver (Richard Sherman's Podcast)

“I just started driving past, noticing. So, I don't know, [49ers owner] Jed [York].”

— Kendrick Bourne, Wide Receiver (Richard Sherman's Podcast)

“I'm just trolling, but it be brown. I'm like, 'Why the grass brown?' It's not too rainy in San Fran. It ain't too hot. It should really be green. So, I'm a conspiracy theorist, bro, but it's just crazy. It's too many injuries, so [49ers GM] John [Lynch] said he's gonna go look into it.”

— Kendrick Bourne, Wide Receiver (Richard Sherman's Podcast)

What’s next

The 49ers and Kendrick Bourne will need to negotiate a new contract for the veteran wide receiver to remain with the team beyond the 2025 season. The team's potential acquisition of the adjacent soccer field property, which could allow them to build replacement fields, may also be a factor in the team's long-term plans for their practice facility.

The takeaway

Kendrick Bourne's desire to return to the 49ers highlights the importance of continuity and familiarity for veteran players in the NFL. Despite the ongoing speculation about the electrical substation near the team's facilities, Bourne's focus remains on continuing his career in San Francisco, where he has found a home and developed strong relationships with the coaching staff. The 49ers' ability to retain Bourne could be a key factor in their efforts to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.