Detroit Lions: 5 low-budget WR’s to target in free agency
By Bob Heyrman
The Detroit Lions need to consider signing Kendrick Bourne.
The San Fransisco 49ers surely hope to retain Kendrick Bourne to play behind their top two youthful, swiss army-type pass-catchers in Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, along with their star tight end George Kittle.
Bourne had become a very reliable fourth receiving option in the 49ers offense and a reliable mid-range, red zone possession receiver for Jimmy Garoppolo.
I’m not sure if Bourne is a product of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system or if he will be able to become a reliable WR3 elsewhere, but he’s worth taking a flier on. Bourne is someone GM Brad Holmes and Goff know well, having played against him twice a year over the last four seasons.
Bourne can work the intermediate routes and become a reliable third-down target for the Lions at a reasonable price. With the 49ers suffering an abundance of injuries throughout their entire roster last season, Bourne was one player that had been able to remain healthy, leading to his best statistical season.
Bourne saw a career-high in targets (74), receptions (49), and yards (667). The 25-year old also caught a pair of touchdowns. Over the course of his four-year career, Bourne has accumulated 1,769 yards on 137 catches and 11 touchdowns while producing a career catch rate of 62.8%.
The 49ers may not retain Bourne, knowing the majority of their secondary needs to be overhauled.
Bourne is coming off of a deal that averaged $3.2 million last season. I’d expect his next deal to average about $4.5 million, which is very affordable if he indeed can continue as a WR3.