The 49ers have applied a second-round tender to wideout Kendrick Bourne, his agents told ESPN’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link).
Bourne has spent the past three seasons with the 49ers, and he’s really come into his own between 2018 and 2019. Over the past two years, the receiver has hauled in a total of 72 receptions for 845 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He’s also appeared in 16 games in each of the past two years.
Bourne also appeared in all three playoff games for San Francisco this past season, hauling in six total receptions. That included a pair of catches for 42 yards during the 49ers’ Super Bowl loss.
Bourne could have a chance to take on a bigger role in 2020. With Deebo Samuel atop the receiver depth chart, Bourne will compete with the likes of Dante Pettis and Marquise Goodwin for snaps.
Good for Bourne, and I hope he does get more chances this upcoming season.
He came to the 49ers, and he was instantly an intriguing blend of size and speed. He also constantly wowed fans and spectators due to his ability to high point catches, and routinely make some circus-like difficult grabs. However, consistency with the routine plays and frequent drops truly kept Bourne from ever really breaking out and earning the trust of his coaching staff and his QB.
It looks like those days are behind Bourne, and he has slowly but surely earned the trust of Shannahan and Jimmy G. In turn, Bourne has been getting more and more opportunities, and if he can continue on this upward trajectory, 2020 could be a big, “breakout” year for KB..
He can make some very impressive, flashy plays. Maybe he can be more of a consistent producer in 2020? Maybe Sanders’ route running rubbed off on him?