49ers free agency: Too-early look at 5 targets to go after in 2022
By Peter Panacy
49ers NFL free agency target No. 4: Tight End Gerald Everett
Back at it grabbing other NFC West players again, this time tight end Gerald Everett.
Everett, another former Rams player, jumped ship to join the Seattle Seahawks last offseason, yet he’s been largely a disappointment amid what’s been a largely disappointing 2021 campaign for Seattle anyway. And if Seahawks brass elects to “blow the whole thing up” this offseason, there’s little sense in bring back the talented-yet-underachieving Everett back for another year.
At 27 years old, Everett still has plenty of proverbial gas left in the tank. And his prior experience in Los Angeles’ offense bodes well for him being a natural fit for Kyle Shanahan, too.
Speaking of Shanahan, he’s long since tried finding a quality No. 2 tight end to pair with George Kittle, once targeting now-Cleveland Browns tight end Austin Hooper, then adding now-retired tight end Jordan Reed a year ago.
Considering Kittle’s extensive injury history, it might be wise for the Niners to explore a veteran contingency plan anyway, at least giving Shanahan a good backup with the highest upside of having two established pass-catching tight ends to create all kinds of matchup nightmares against opposing defenses.
Everett’s down season might make him a less-expensive commodity, too.