4 still-available free agents 49ers should target before Week 1 vs. Jets

49ers free-agent target No. 3: WR/TE N'Keal Harry

Another former Patriot has just signed with the practice squad for the Minnesota Vikings, wide receiver-turned tight end, N'Keal Harry.

At 6-foot-4' and 225 pounds, the wingspan on this former first-round pick makes him a threat downfield. And while Harry has mostly been a disappointment at the NFL level, one might hope a team like the Niners could get the most out of him if signed off Minnesota's practice squad.

Entering his eighth season in the league, All-Pro tight end George Kittle has still shown his durability. After missing half of the season in 2020, he has only missed six games in the last three seasons. During those three seasons, Kittle has pulled in 196 receptions for 2,695 yards and 23 scores.

Currently, only Eric Saubert and Jake Tonges are on the roster as a tight end, though.

Saubert's best years were the two he played for the Denver Broncos. Tonges had a decent showing during the preseason as he racked up 63 receiving yards on nine receptions.

While neither one is an established weapon downfield, Harry could make it competitive for the backups in San Francisco. As we have seen before, sometimes the injury bug bites hard on the NFC West favorites.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan would have a utility athlete who could back up Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings.

Though it would be a project, it might be worth the gamble. Especially if the current offensive players for the 49ers can't stay healthy.