Tight end is not at the top of the San Francisco 49ers’ offseason checklist.
It simply can’t be.
With needs along the defensive line, questions at wide receiver, and long-term roster construction always in play, investing premium draft capital at tight end doesn’t immediately jump off the page, especially for a team that already has one of the best to ever do it in George Kittle. But 2026 introduces uncertainty and uncertainty changes conversations.
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The George Kittle Variable
Kittle is coming off a torn Achilles suffered in the Wild Card round. He’ll be 33 entering the 2026 season, he is at an age where recovery timelines grow more complicated and durability becomes less predictable.
Even if everything goes perfectly, there’s no guarantee he’ll be ready for Week 1. And even if he is, expecting peak form immediately would be optimistic.
For an offense that relies heavily on tight end versatility, both in the run game and over the middle of the field, that matters.
Jake Tonges Has Been Solid But Depth Still Matters
Jake Tonges has proven to be dependable. He’s assignment-sound, capable as a blocker, and has shown he can handle rotational snaps without the offense falling apart.
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But if Kittle misses extended time, the 49ers would still need more than just steady.
They’d need someone who can threaten defenses vertically while holding his own in-line. Someone who keeps the playbook open rather than shrinking it.
That’s where the draft conversation gets interesting.
Why Justin Joly Could Be the Steal
If Justin Joly is available when San Francisco makes its third-round selection, the value could be too strong to pass up.
Joly quietly put together an impressive 2025 campaign, hauling in 49 receptions for 489 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged 10 yards per carry when used on designed runs and gadget plays, showcasing the kind of versatility that would immediately intrigue Kyle Shanahan.
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Those numbers won’t dominate national headlines, but they reflect efficiency and red-zone reliability. Joly has shown he can find soft spots in coverage, win after the catch, and handle multi-dimensional usage.
At his size, which is 6 ‘3 255lbs by the way, and with his ability to block and contribute creatively, he projects as more than just a traditional backup. He’s a developmental tight end who could carve out snaps early if needed.
That’s why some evaluators believe he could end up being one of the better values in this draft class.
Not a Priority But Smart Insurance
Tight end isn’t the 49ers’ biggest need.
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But it might quietly be one of their most important contingencies.
With Kittle’s availability uncertain and the team firmly in a championship window, adding depth with real upside makes sense. Jake Tonges provides stability. Justin Joly could provide the future. If the board falls right in the third round, this wouldn’t be a luxury pick. It would be forward-thinking roster management. And if Joly develops the way some expect? The 49ers might look back on it as one of the steals of the draft just like George Kittle was in 2017.