Getty
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
The San Francisco 49ers made one of the biggest moves of their offseason Monday morning.
San Francisco agreed to a three-year, $60.4 million deal with veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, giving quarterback Brock Purdy another proven target. Evans brings over a decade of production and instantly becomes one of the most experienced receivers on the roster.
Later in the day, the 49ers made another move in the receiver department. They were saying goodbye to another wideout who played an important role for them last season.
George Kittle Reacts to Wide Receiver Departure
Veteran receiver Kendrick Bourne is on the move. He leaves the 49ers after agreeing to a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals.
Shortly after the news broke, 49ers star tight end George Kittle shared a message on Instagram. The message was simple.
“No energy like you on the field! Good luck brother.”
Kittle and Bourne spent last season together in San Francisco. Bourne quickly became one of the team’s most reliable receivers after returning to the roster late in the offseason.
Even though Bourne is now heading to a division rival, Kittle made sure to show respect.
George Kittle’s message to Kendrick Bourne
Bourne Reunites With Former 49ers Coach
Bourne’s move to Arizona also creates a reunion.
The Cardinals are coached by Mike LaFleur, who spent four seasons as an assistant with the 49ers from 2017 through 2020. Those years overlapped with the beginning of Bourne’s NFL career. That familiarity likely played a role in Bourne’s decision.
Bourne originally joined the 49ers last season after being released by the New England Patriots. He quickly worked his way into the offense, and finished the year with 37 receptions for 551 yards. The total ranked fourth on the team and second among wide receivers behind Jauan Jennings.
Several teams reportedly showed interest in Bourne during free agency. Arizona ultimately won out.
GettyKendrick Bourne is signing with the Arizona Cardinals.
49ers Continue Reworking Their Receiver Group
Bourne’s departure comes as San Francisco reshapes its wide receiver room.
The addition of Evans gives the offense a proven veteran presence. The 31-year-old has recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in every season of his career, except for 2025 where he suffered injury setbacks. Evans fills one major need. The rest of the receiver room is still taking shape.
San Francisco has also been linked to free agent receiver Romeo Doubs, formerly of the Green Bay Packers. Doubs developed in a system similar to Kyle Shanahan’s offense, which could make him a natural fit.
The current depth chart includes Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, Jacob Cowing, and Jordan Watkins.
Brandon Aiyuk is widely expected to move on this offseason.
GettyMike Evans signs with the Niners.
Final Word for the 49ers
George Kittle’s message to Kendrick Bourne reflected the kind of respect that develops between teammates over the course of a season. Bourne brought energy to the 49ers’ offense and became one of their most productive receivers in 2025, due to a series of injuries. Now he will try to continue that success in Arizona.
For San Francisco, the focus shifts forward.
Evans is in. Other moves could follow. The 49ers are reshaping their offense while keeping their championship window open.
The next meeting between Bourne and his former teammates will come soon enough.
Inside the NFC West.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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