8 former 49ers who will be available in free agency (and 4 who may return)

Former 49ers available in free agency: WR Kendrick Bourne

Another former 49er who would make a good deal of sense to bring back is wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. Bourne had a number of solid seasons with the 49ers and has a fun, energetic style of play that would be welcomed back into the locker room.

Bourne was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and proved to be a great signing for the team. He was never a top wide receiver for the team, but he was a solid third or fourth option and accumulated some respectable stats while in San Francisco. In four seasons with the 49ers, Bourne had 11 receiving touchdowns and had over 1,700 receiving yards.

After 2020, he joined the New England Patriots where he has continued his solid career. Over three seasons he has 10 touchdown catches and over 1,600 receiving yards.

However, he has recently opened up about how he felt the Patriots' locker room could be "toxic" at times. Bourne's season ended last year with a torn ACL.

After playing on a Patriots team that did not have much success while he was there, perhaps he is thirsting for a shot at playing for a contender that does not have a reputation for toxicity. What better place to do that than with the team where you established yourself as a solid NFL player?

Plus, with Jauan Jennings, Chris Conley, and Ray Ray McCloud all being free agents, the Niners may be in the market for a 3rd receiver that they can trust. He knows the offensive system and would be a good candidate to return to the 49ers.

Now to another former offensive player who spent a good amount of time with the 49ers before joining the Patriots.