Niner Noise
FanSided

Building the greatest 49ers all-time offense in franchise history

By James LeBreton

San Francisco 49ers head coach Bill Walsh talks to quarterback Joe Montana (16) and backup quarterback Steve Young (8)--all members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame--during the NFC Divisional Playoff, a 34-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on January 1, 1989, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Arthur Anderson/Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers head coach Bill Walsh talks to quarterback Joe Montana (16) and backup quarterback Steve Young (8)--all members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame--during the NFC Divisional Playoff, a 34-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on January 1, 1989, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Arthur Anderson/Getty Images) /
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Tight end Brent Jones of the San Francisco 49ers  Mandatory Credit: Al Bello /Allsport
Tight end Brent Jones of the San Francisco 49ers  Mandatory Credit: Al Bello /Allsport /

All-time best 49ers tight ends

Brent Jones

Brent Jones’ career was not only productive, but it was also highly decorated.

No. 84 spent his career where others feared to go: over the middle. Other tight ends may have been overshadowed by the likes of receivers Jerry Rice and John Taylor, but not Jones. In fact, week after week, he stood out.

He was a reliable, sure-handed target who caught passes from two of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Jones is a four-time Pro Bowler, a three-time All-Pro and was named Bart Starr Man of the Year in 1998. He won three Super Bowls for San Francisco and set the standard of play for tight ends.

Stat line: 417 receptions for 5.195 yards, 33 TDs

George Kittle

In six short years, “The People’s Tight End” has already stated his claim as one of the greats.

George Kittle‘s numbers to date pretty much mirror Jones for his career. Since joining the 49ers, Kittle has become a fan favorite, a resident hype man and the leader in yards by a tight end in a season.

The best part is that he’s only getting started.

Luckily, for San Francisco, he found his rhythm last season and looked better than ever with new, young quarterback Brock Purdy. Kittle will easily be, statistically, the greatest 49ers tight end of all time when he’s finished.

And hopefully for this amazing, modern-day offense, a Super Bowl champion as well.

Stat line: 395 receptions for 5,254 yards, 31 TDs