Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Commanders just seized control in high-stakes wide receiver pursuit

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Dean Jones | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 7:30 AM ET

Most fans thought the Washington Commanders would go searching for another veteran wide receiver after only taking five onto their 53-man roster. And it didn't take long to figure out who general manager Adam Peters had in mind.

Now, the Commanders could have the upper hand in their high-stakes pursuit of Kendrick Bourne.

The New England Patriots released Bourne after no willing trade suitor came forward. Reports suggested that the Minnesota Vikings inquired about the pass-catcher, but they brought Adam Thielen home from the Carolina Panthers instead. Therefore, the AFC East club opted to cut the pass-catcher after he fell out of favor with the new regime.

Commanders get their chance to seal deal for free-agent WR Kendrick Bourne

Washington quickly set up a meeting with Bourne, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday. The San Francisco 49ers had the first visit set up on Monday, which meant it was an anxious wait for Peters to see if any deal could be reached between the player and his former employers.

Bourne left the Niners without an agreement in place. He immediately caught a plane to Washington, and Peters would be wise not to let him leave without striking a deal if there is conviction in his ability to make a lasting contribution.

Free agent WR Kendrick Bourne is on route to Dulles International Airport to meet with the #Commanders, per his IG story

Looks like a deal may’ve not been reached with the 49ers just yet pic.twitter.com/6fYTrsmjLg
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) September 2, 2025

Peters knows Bourne well. He was part of the San Francisco front office that identified the wideout as an undrafted free agent diamond in the rough. The Eastern Washington product repaid this faith with 292 receptions for 3,714 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns throughout his eight-year career to date.

Going back to the team that gave him his first opportunity is a tempting proposition for Bourne. However, getting the chance to join Washington's ambitious project and play with superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels would be a difficult proposition to turn down.

Bourne could potentially get more playing time with the Niners. They are dealing with some receiver injuries, with Brandon Aiyuk still on the shelf. That could prove to be the tipping point, but he's at least willing to see what the Commanders are offering before committing himself one way or another.

The wideout holds the cards. He's got the luxury of choosing his next destination, but Peters is more than capable of providing a convincing argument. This is a team ready to win now, and the more players they have who can make plays in the passing game, the better.

It'll be interesting to see what comes from the meeting, but the Commanders have the ball in their court.

This article first appeared on Riggo's Rag and was syndicated with permission.

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