Bourne might have been a valuable addition, particularly with Brown working through injuries, but Washington’s ability to generate yards and points suggests the unit may be in stronger shape than some anticipated.
Commanders Miss Out After WR Reunites With 49ers
Posted September 9, 2025
The Washington Commanders explored adding a veteran wide receiver who many insiders believed could slot right into their rotation. Instead, Kendrick Bourne went in another direction and chose to reunite with one of the NFC’s top contenders.
According to ESPN, Bourne agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million with the San Francisco 49ers. Pro Football Rumors confirmed the move, which brings him back to the team where he launched his NFL career under Kyle Shanahan in his first season as head coach. As Hogs Haven noted, the veteran also visited Ashburn during his free-agent tour but left without a contract.
Bourne Was Long Viewed as a Fit
Bourne, 30, became available when the New England Patriots granted his release at the end of training camp. His resume includes nearly 300 career receptions for more than 3,700 yards and 22 touchdowns, production that stood out in a thin free-agent market. NFL insider Lake Lewis noted even before Bourne’s release that Washington would be a logical landing spot, citing his ability to line up across multiple receiver spots and his locker-room leadership.
The connection made sense when Bourne arrived in Ashburn, particularly because he was in the middle of one of his best statistical stretches before tearing his ACL midway through the 2023 season. In just eight games that year, he recorded 37 catches for 406 yards and four touchdowns. His recovery limited him in 2024, but the flashes remained enough to draw interest from multiple suitors.
Commanders Confident in Current WR Room
For Washington, missing out on Bourne reflects confidence in the group they’ve assembled. Terry McLaurin remains the centerpiece of the passing attack, while Deebo Samuel Sr. arrived in one of the offseason’s biggest trades to give rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels a versatile playmaker.
The supporting cast includes Noah Brown, who has flashed big-play ability but has also dealt with knee issues that limited him late in the preseason and into Week 1. Behind him, rookie Luke McCaffrey and second-year wideout Jaylin Lane round out the rotation in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.
That context is why Bourne’s visit felt significant. His experience would have provided insurance if Brown’s availability remained inconsistent. Instead, the front office bet on its existing depth chart, trusting Kingsbury’s scheme to elevate the group around Daniels.
49ers Gain Reliable Depth, Washington Moves Forward
Bourne’s decision makes plenty of sense for San Francisco. The 49ers entered Week 2 with injury concerns at multiple skill positions, including Jauan Jennings and George Kittle. Adding a veteran who already knows Shanahan’s system provides immediate depth behind Brandon Aiyuk and Samuel. If Bourne regains his pre-injury form, the signing could be one of the offseason’s best low-risk additions.
For the Commanders, the outcome is more of a missed opportunity than a setback. Washington showed in its Week 1 victory that it can move the ball effectively when Kingsbury’s offense clicks. Daniels spread the ball across the field, and Samuel’s presence is already bearing fruit.
RAIDERS MAKE UNEXPECTED ROSTER CUTS, FANS LEFT SHOCKED AS CAM MILLER & TOMMY MELLOTT SAY GOODBYE
The Las Vegas Raiders made waves this week with a shocking decision to release two of their rookie draft picks: Cam Miller and Tommy Mellott, both of whom had quickly become fan favorites after their standout performances in the FCS.
Miller, who earned widespread recognition for his electrifying plays and leadership on the field, took to social media to express his shock and determination. In a heartfelt post, Miller wrote, "I guess being a fan favorite doesn’t guarantee you a spot. But I’ll be back, better than ever." These words reflect not only his resilience but also the fire that burns inside him to prove his doubters wrong. Fans across the NFL have rallied behind him, flooding social media with messages of support and belief in his future.
The Raiders, known for their cutthroat roster decisions, chose to move forward with other options as they trim their roster to meet the final 53-man requirement. Despite being drafted in the early rounds, both Miller and Mellott were viewed by many as potential key contributors, not just for their talent but for the way they had connected with fans.
Mellott, a standout quarterback from the FCS, was expected to bring a level of excitement and versatility to the Raiders' offense. His unique style and ability to make big plays had already garnered significant attention. His cut, much like Miller’s, left fans questioning how the team would manage without these rising stars.
The decision has sparked heated discussions among NFL analysts, with many questioning the Raiders' strategy and whether they made a mistake letting go of such promising young players. Some speculate that the Raiders are taking a more conservative approach, focusing on veterans who can contribute immediately, but many believe that Miller and Mellott's potential was too valuable to ignore.
However, the NFL world knows one thing for sure: Cam Miller and Tommy Mellott are not the type to give up easily. As Miller boldly stated, he’ll be back, stronger and more determined than ever. This moment may have been a setback, but it’s far from the end of their careers.
The road ahead may be tough, but for these two young talents, it’s just another chapter in their journey to prove that they belong at the highest level. Fans everywhere will be watching, eagerly waiting for their return to the spotlight.
