49ers Sign Journeyman Tight End

An alternative after failing to sign tight end Brock Wright has officially been found by the San Francisco 49ers.

Tight end Eric Saubert is signing with the 49ers on a one-year deal. Details with the salary of his contract are unknown at this time, but I would imagine it is a cheap one. So, who is Saubert? Here is what the 49ers put out in their brief description of him when they announced his signing.

"Saubert (6-5, 248) was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round (174th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft. Throughout his seven-year NFL career with the Falcons (2017-18), Chicago Bears (2019), Jacksonville Jaguars (2020), Denver Broncos (2021-22), Dallas Cowboys (2023) and Houston Texans (2023), he has appeared in 84 games (16 starts)and registered 36 receptions for 292 yards and two touchdowns. In 2023, Saubert appeared in 10 games (one start) with the Cowboys and Texans and finished with three receptions for 12 yards."

It sounds Saubert gives the 49ers their Charlie Woerner replacement. Meaning, he is only good for blocking. Given his stats, it doesn't appear he is much of a threat as a receiver nor has any promise as he's been in the league for seven years already.

Regardless, this signing puts Cameron Latu and Brayden Willis on notice. For the 49ers to go from Wright to Saubert, who is a glorified journeyman for depth, is a massive indictment on them. Latu and Willis are going to have to show the 49ers some promise when training camp comes around.

I also wouldn't rule out the 49ers drafting another tight end as well. Rather, I would actually expect it. Tight end will be an interesting position to see how it plays out when August arrives.