Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the San Francisco 49ers have to be thinking about how they are going to account for the absence of star tight end George Kittle. After his Achilles tear in the playoffs, he is set to miss most, if not all, of the 2026 campaign.
It is a devastating loss and puts the Niners behind the 8-ball going into next season. Forget any ideas of turning the page on an injury-plagued season. No, the injuries are going to last into 2026, and surely we'll have a couple of fresh season-enders next season as well because... it's the 49ers.
So, how are the Niners going to fill the massive void left by Kittle? He does so much for the offense, not just as an explosive pass-catching threat but also as a blocker who assists so much in the run game.
His absence was felt acutely in 2025 when he was out due to his hamstring injury, so the Niners know how hard it is to try to replace him.
The Niners could have Luke Farrell and Jake Tonges back next season which would help a little. Tonges proved he can be a solid receiver while Farrell does a lot of the dirty work blocking up front.
But if they were to enter the 2026 season with those two guys at the top of the depth chart it would not be a recipe for success.
That is why San Francisco should look at three players they can sign to a one-year deal to land an established veteran option who can be relied upon.
Zach Ertz
Even at the age of 35, Ertz has proven that he is still a solid tight end. The former Stanford product had 504 receiving yards with the Washington Commanders with five touchdown catches in 2025. The year prior he had seven touchdowns.
He is the exact sort of one-year veteran who would be perfect for the Niners.
Darren Waller
Waller showed he can still play in 2025. He had 283 receiving yards and six touchdowns in just nine games. The 33-year-old would be another ideal veteran especially since he played in a similar offense under head coach Mike McDaniel.
Tyler Higbee
49ers fans are familiar with Higbee from his many years with the Los Angeles Rams. he is yet another proven veteran who could come in and do the job and there would be the added benefit of poaching him from LA.
The Niners need to address Kittle's absence this season, and signing one of these three players would be a great way to do that.