Another season with Super Bowl hopes, and another playoff exit. The San Francisco 49ers have come up short yet again. Their 2025 season was plagued by brutal injuries to star players, but their misfortune doesn't make the Divisional Round embarrassment against the Seattle Seahawks hurt any less.
It's easy to chalk this season up to bad injury luck and move on, but the Niners have clear moves to make in the offseason if they're going to be contenders again in 2026.
Especially with George Kittle's future post-injury looking unclear, San Francisco's first point of action has to be adding talent to the tight end room.
49ers must add a tight end in the offseason after playoff loss
Jake Tonges has been a revelation this season. When Kittle has been sidelined, the backup tight end has stepped up in a big way. After never catching a pass in his pro career before this year, the 26-year-old posted 34 receptions for 293 yards and five touchdowns on the season. While his fumble in the 49ers' loss to the Seahawks proved costly, he did finish the day as San Francisco's leading receiver.
But Tonges isn't enough at the position.
Kittle will likely miss the majority of the 2026 season as he recovers from the Achilles injury he suffered in the Wild Card round, but there's no knowing what to expect when the superstar tight end does return. Behind Tonges, that leaves the 49ers with Luke Farrell and Brayden Willis at the position. Farrell can play a role when needed, but Willis was on the practice squad before Kittle's injury.
Especially as key receivers walk away in free agency or via trade, it will be crucial for Kyle Shanahan's squad to be well-equipped at tight end. They'll need to invest in the position in some capacity during the offseason.
There are a few notable free-agent tight ends set to be on the market. Big names like Dallas Goedert and David Njoku might be out of San Francisco's price range, but options like Tyler Higbee and Foster Moreau could make a meaningful impact.
In the draft, the Niners may not be willing to spend an early pick on a tight end. But a mid-round selection could add key depth to the position and give Shanahan playcalling flexibility.
Tight end has been a strength of San Francisco's roster for years. John Lynch will have to be active this offseason to keep it that way.