One Overlooked Position the 49ers Should Improve

The 49ers have quite a few positions they need to upgrade/address this offseason.

An edge rusher opposite of Nick Bosa to take some of the heat off of him is one, while finding a free safety to start next to Talanoa Hufanga is another. Whether it is due to a vacancy at a position or just an outright needed upgrade, the 49ers have some work on their hands.

However, the 49ers shouldn't just view vacancy or a needed upgrade as the criteria to add to their team. There is one overlooked position the 49ers should look to improve and that is at tight end.

It’s easy to overlook it because of George Kittle. Having an All Pro at one position usually makes it easy to gloss over the idea of needing to improve it. But the 49ers should look to increase the quality here. Adding another tight end, specifically one who can be lethal as a receiver, will only grant the 49ers another element to create mismatches. If there’s one thing Kyle Shanahan loves in his offense is having variety.

Another tight end who can complement Kittle and stress a defense more could be a new dynamic that takes the 49ers over the top. It will only enhance what the 49ers can do and give either Trey Lance or Brock Purdy someone who they can target fairly easily. Of course, finding a solid receiving tight end isn't that easy. Otherwise, the majority of teams would be riddled with them. But this is one position that the 49ers would be wise to invest in.

As Kittle has showcased on the offense, tight ends are mismatch nightmares. Back in 2020, the 49ers had Jordan Reed as the secondary tight end. And while he and Kittle never got to be implemented together for an entire season, the logic behind signing Reed was sound. Just imagine if the two actually were healthy and got to play next to each other. Reed wasn't nearly as dominant as he was early in his career, but he did have some games in 2020 that were decent.

Bringing in a tight end next to Kittle would elevate the 49ers. Plus, it would be nice to have someone adequate as the backup in case Kittle misses time to injury again. Maybe even act as a future replacement when Kittle's contract expires. There is more than enough incentive and benefit for the 49ers to improve the tight end position.