The San Francisco 49ers are entering a pivotal offseason. Armed with over $40 million in cap space, the 49ers need to nail their free agency and trade decisions to get back to the postseason. The 49ers can create more cap space by making cuts and contract restructures. They may need to do so before giving Brock Purdy the inevitable massive contract extension.
Every team in the NFL is facing similar questions, including the New England Patriots, who have an incredible $119 million in cap space, per Over The Cap. In fact, The Athletic projects that the Patriots could open up more cap space by moving on from a former 49er this offseason.
On their list of expected salary cap casualties, veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne's name surprisingly surfaced.
"It might seem crazy for the Patriots to cut arguably their top player at arguably their biggest position of need, but they could yield $4.9 million in cap savings by cutting Bourne before June 1 (or $6.3 million if they do it with a post-June 1 designation)."Chad Graff, The Athletic
This would be a disappointing end for Bourne, who signed a three-year contract extension with the Patriots before the 2024 season. After missing the first month of the season as part of his recovery from a torn ACL, Bourne played the final 12 games, putting up 28 catches, 305 yards, and a touchdown.
It would be a surprising development considering how desperately the Patriots need more offensive playmakers. Bourne is obviously not the same player he was as he enters his age-30 season, but he is still one of the rare competent veterans on that team.
Perhaps this could open up an opportunity for the 49ers to reunite with a familiar face. Bourne spent the first four years of his career in San Francisco, putting up 1,769 yards and 11 touchdowns in 58 games.