When you talk about the San Francisco 49ers offense, you’re really talking about stress. Stress on linebackers. Stress on safeties. Stress on defensive coordinators trying to pick their poison against Kyle Shanahan. And while George Kittle remains the heartbeat of the room, the NFL keeps reminding us of one thing: you can never have too many dudes who can create mismatches.
That’s where this tight end free agent class comes in. If the 49ers want to stay ahead of the curve, adding another versatile tight end could unlock even more layers to an already dangerous offense. Here are my top five tight end free agent targets—and why each one makes sense in red and gold.
First up is Kyle Pitts —and yes, I know—just hearing his name has people leaning forward. Pitts is the definition of a matchup nightmare. Linebackers can’t run with him, corners can’t outmuscle him, and safeties usually need help.
In a Shanahan system that loves motion, play-action, and isolating defenders in space, Pitts could line up everywhere: inline, slot, wide, you name it. Pairing him with Kittle would force defenses into uncomfortable personnel decisions every single snap.
Next is David Njoku, one of the most explosive playmakers at the position. Njoku brings juice after the catch and a real red-zone presence. He’s not just a checkdown tight end—he can take a short pass and flip field position in a hurry.
In San Francisco, where yards after catch are basically a religion, Njoku would thrive on crossers, boots, and broken-play improvisation.
Then there’s Cade Otton, and this is where the conversation gets gritty. Otton isn’t flashy, but he does the dirty work. Blocking matters in this offense. Springing Christian McCaffrey, sealing edges, and selling play-action all start with tight ends who can hold up in the trenches. Otton fits that mold while still being reliable enough as a pass catcher to keep defenses honest.
Don’t sleep on Noah Fant either. Fant is a legit receiving tight end with speed that stresses zones vertically. He can attack seams, run away from linebackers, and give Brock Purdy a big target over the middle.
In a system built on rhythm and timing, Fant’s athleticism could quietly turn into chunk plays week after week.
Finally, you’ve got Tyler Higbee, the veteran who knows the system. Higbee has spent years in a scheme adjacent to what Shanahan runs, and that matters. He understands leverage, spacing, and how to be where the quarterback expects him to be. You don’t always need the flashiest name—sometimes you need a pro who can step in, execute, and elevate the room with experience.
Bottom line: the 49ers don’t need a tight end. But the smartest teams don’t shop based on need—they shop based on opportunity. Add the right tight end to this offense, and you’re not just filling a role. You’re making life even harder for the rest of the league. And that’s exactly how championship windows stay open.