Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne urged the San Francisco 49ers to grant him a bonus despite not meeting his set target, inspired by a decision involving Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins. The 49ers player’s appeal came after NFL insider Tom Pelissero revealed the Patriots chose to pay Hollins a $400,000 catch incentive even though he fell just short of the required number of receptions during the season.
Patriots Reward Hollins Despite Missing Catch Goal
According to Pelissero’s report, Mack Hollins missed his $400,000 catch incentive by four receptions, a shortfall attributed to a lacerated spleen that sidelined him for the final two regular-season games. Nevertheless, the Patriots honored the incentive by adding the full amount as a signing bonus to Hollins’ contract.
“Patriots WR Mack Hollins came up four catches short of a $400,000 incentive this past season, when a lacerated spleen cost him the last two regular-season games. A cool gesture: The Patriots honored the incentive anyway, adding a $400,000 signing bonus to Hollins’ contract,” Tom Pelissero, NFL insider
Bourne Highlights His Near-Miss for a Receiving Bonus
Responding to the Patriots’ action, Bourne pointed out that he was close to earning his own performance bonus tied to reaching 600 receiving yards. The 49ers’ wide receiver, whose deal includes a $250,000 bonus for that milestone, shared his disappointment humorously on social media.
“Ayo @49ers I only needed a couple more yards for some $,” Kendrick Bourne, wide receiver
Background on Bourne’s Season and Contract Status
Bourne returned to the 49ers on a one-year contract worth up to $5 million, marking his second tenure with the team after originally playing from 2017 to 2020. He spent part of 2021 with the Patriots before his release in August. In the 2025 season, Bourne recorded 551 receiving yards on 37 catches without any touchdowns, but already secured a $500,000 bonus for surpassing 500 yards.
As his contract nears expiration next month, Bourne awaits negotiations with the 49ers, making his future with the team uncertain.
Bourne Expresses Desire to Stay with 49ers
On the ‘Richard Sherman Podcast,’ Kendrick Bourne openly conveyed his wish to continue playing for San Francisco, emphasizing the connection he feels with the city and the team’s head coach.
“I’m trying to come back,” Bourne said. “Talked to Kyle (Shanahan). Got a good relationship with him. Had a good exit meeting. So I’m trying to make it happen. That’s always the goal.”
“San Francisco is home. And so coming back, having a good year, like you said, was powerful. So I’m trying to run it back. Money talks, but that’s just definitely home. So that’s holding a special place in my heart.”
Season Performance and Playoff Outcome for 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers concluded the season in third place within the NFC West with a 12-5 record, securing a playoff berth. Their postseason run ended with a decisive 41-6 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round. This outcome adds uncertainty to team decisions regarding player contracts moving forward, including Bourne’s potential re-signing.
Ayo @49ers I only needed a couple more yards for some $ 😂😂😅😅 🤔🧐 https://t.co/M4K0aJlYVd
— Kendrick Bourne Poly (@KendrickBourne_) February 21, 2026
“I’m trying to come back” The San Francisco 49ers and Kendrick Bourne let’s Run it BACK!#Niners #KendrickBourne #NFLfreeAgency pic.twitter.com/OPTit2ep29
— Richard Sherman Podcast (@RShermanPodcast) February 19, 2026
