Why Adding Another Impactful Tight End can Boost the 49ers

The 49ers are looking to add another tight end in an attempt to give their offense a different dynamic.

Jan 28, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) reacts | Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

A goal of the San Francisco 49ers this offseason is to add another tight end.

They tried to do that with restricted free agent Brock Wright until the Detroit Lions matched the 49ers' offer. Now, the 49ers must look elsewhere to bring in their No. 2 tight end to compliment George Kittle.

Initially, it may seem odd that the 49ers are trying to add a viable tight end in their ranks. It isn't a need on their team after all, so why waste resources on it? Well, the 49ers want to add another impactful tight end because it can give them a boost on offense.

Clearly, the 49ers are saying that they do not believe in second-year tight ends Brayden Willis and Cameron Latu. I can't say I blame them. Neither player excelled as a blocker or receiver. Time is needed for them to be developed, if they can be, and the 49ers don't have that.

What another tight end can do to boost their offense is allow Kyle Shanahan to play the mismatches. That way when they trot out two tight ends in the formation, they can send one off while the other blocks. It is the confusion element that Shanahan loves to operate with his offense.

Plus, tight ends who can actually be a capable receiver are mismatch nightmares in their own right. So, it makes perfect sense that the 49ers will want to add that to their offense, especially now that they have a solid quarterback for once in Brock Purdy.

Free agency isn't where the 49ers will find their impactful tight end, so I would expect the upcoming NFL draft as an avenue that they will dabble in once again at the position.