49ers: Analyzing the impact of the team’s latest roster moves

Restricted free agent tenders

The 49ers also made decisions on their three restricted free agents opting to place second-round tenders on both running back Matt Breida and wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. At the same time, they did not place a tender of linebacker Elijah Lee.

Some assumed that Breida could have been a goner when the team restructured McKinnon’s contract earlier in the day, but the 49ers made the smart move to bring back the young tailback.

Breida fell out of favor with the coaching staff last season and was passed over for the likes of Mostert, Breida, and even Wilson at points. But we’ve seen what Breida is capable of.

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He’s a very solid rotational running back who could still play a huge role in the 49ers’ offense if he regains the trust of the coaching staff. That remains to be seen, for the small price of $3,259 million, Breida is well worth the investment.

Meanwhile, Bourne is quality receiver depth who has endeared himself to the coaching staff much as Blair has. He isn’t flashy, but he’s a reliable receiving option on a team with very few at the moment.

Perhaps the two sides can continue to try and work out a long-term deal, but for now, the 49ers retain a dependable possession receiver with a great work ethic and excellent leadership qualities.

As for Lee, his days in San Francisco are likely numbered as the team opted not to tender him. They could always come back and sign him, but that remains very unlikely.

Breida and Bourne are the keys here, and the 49ers are better off for keeping both of them.