Underwhelming 49ers Offensive Weapon Named Their Worst Signing of 2025

The San Francisco 49ers had a successful 2025 campaign, finishing with a 12-4 record, securing a playoff spot, and advancing by defeating the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, in the wild-card round. Throughout the offseason, the team added several veteran free agents that contributed to their overall success. However, not every signing lived up to expectations. One acquisition that did not pan out as expected was tight end Luke Farrell, who has now been named the 49ers’ worst signing of the 2025 season by Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker.

Farrell, 28, was signed by the 49ers to a three-year, $11 million contract, with hopes that he would provide both depth and reliability at the tight end position, particularly as a blocking specialist. While he did appear in all 17 regular-season games, his performance failed to justify his contract and left the 49ers searching for more consistency at the tight end spot throughout the year.

The Expectations Behind Farrell’s Signing

When the 49ers signed Farrell in the offseason, they were hoping to strengthen their offense by adding a veteran presence to complement their existing tight end, George Kittle. Farrell had previously shown potential in his blocking ability during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, earning a reputation as a solid, albeit unspectacular, contributor in the trenches. The 49ers were aware that Kittle had dealt with injuries in the past, and having a reliable second tight end to contribute both as a blocker and a pass catcher seemed like a smart decision at the time. Farrell’s role was primarily viewed as a complementary piece who would help solidify the 49ers’ offensive line by providing reliable blocking while also occasionally serving as a target in the passing game.

Disappointing Pass Protection and Limited Impact

Despite the expectations surrounding Farrell’s skill set, the 2025 season revealed significant struggles in his overall play. Farrell’s blocking prowess, which was a major factor in his signing, did not consistently translate into success when he hit the field. According to Locker, Farrell’s performance in pass protection was far from impressive. “Farrell was awarded a three-year contract primarily based on his blocking prowess, but that didn’t entirely carry over in his first season with the 49ers,” Locker explained. “The ex-Jaguar allowed two sacks on 36 pass-blocking snaps, and he was outsnapped by rookie tight end Jake Tonges by the end of the year.” This lack of effectiveness in pass protection, combined with his inability to provide the blocking stability that was expected of him, ultimately made his signing a less-than-ideal decision.

While Farrell did contribute in some areas, his role as a pass blocker was a significant area of concern. He was expected to help protect quarterback Brock Purdy, but his struggles in this aspect of the game raised questions about whether the 49ers had overestimated his abilities. This lack of effectiveness in his primary role further compounded the disappointment in his performance.

Limited Offensive Production and Missed Opportunities

Farrell’s offensive contributions in 2025 were equally underwhelming. Over the course of the season, Farrell caught just 11 passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns. Considering the expectations that came with his three-year, $11 million contract, these numbers were extremely disappointing. The 49ers had hoped that Farrell would be a reliable target in the passing game, especially when George Kittle was sidelined for some stretches of the season due to injury. Unfortunately, Farrell’s performance didn’t match those hopes, and it was rookie tight end Jake Tonges who stepped up in Kittle’s absence.

Tonges, who was drafted by the 49ers in 2025, showed more promise and earned a larger share of playing time, eventually outsnapping Farrell by the end of the season. This shift in the 49ers’ tight end depth chart highlighted Farrell’s inability to contribute at the level that was expected of him. As the team struggled to find consistent production from the tight end position, Farrell’s lack of impact left a void that the 49ers had hoped he would fill.

The Struggles During Kittle’s Injuries

One of the most glaring issues with Farrell’s performance came during the periods when Kittle was unable to play due to injuries. The 49ers needed another tight end to step up and help carry the load offensively, but it was Tonges, not Farrell, who provided that support. Farrell’s inability to take on a larger role during these crucial moments added to the frustration surrounding his signing.

While Farrell was a solid contributor in some games, he was unable to make a substantial impact during Kittle’s absence, which was an area where the 49ers had hoped he could shine. Instead, Tonges, with his ability to create mismatches in the passing game and improve his blocking over the course of the season, proved to be a more valuable asset in Kittle’s stead.

Farrell’s Contract and Future in San Francisco

Despite his struggles, Farrell’s contract was not a major financial burden on the 49ers, but his performance on the field did not seem to correlate with the value granted to him. Farrell’s three-year, $11 million deal was not among the largest contracts signed in the offseason, but it still represented a significant investment for the 49ers in their attempt to improve their tight end depth. Given his lack of impact, it’s clear that the 49ers will have to reassess their tight end depth moving forward.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Farrell could very well find himself on the chopping block. With the 49ers continuing to search for more consistency at the tight end position, Farrell’s future in San Francisco is uncertain. He could be a cut candidate, especially if the 49ers decide to look for better options in the tight end market or within their own roster. A post-June 1 cut designation could be a way for the team to free up some cap space, which could then be used to strengthen other areas of the roster.

The Need for a Better Solution at Tight End

Despite Farrell’s struggles, the 49ers still have a need at tight end, especially with Kittle’s injury history. The team will likely look to address this need in the 2026 offseason by either finding a reliable backup or developing a younger player to complement Kittle. Whether Farrell remains part of the team or not, the 49ers will continue to prioritize the tight end position and seek a better solution than the one they received from Farrell in 2025.

Conclusion: Farrell’s Signing as a Missed Opportunity

While the 49ers’ 2025 season was marked by significant successes, including a playoff berth and a wild-card victory over the Eagles, Farrell’s signing will go down as one of the offseason’s biggest misfires. The team had hoped for a reliable blocking tight end who could provide stability and offensive contributions, but Farrell’s performance failed to meet those expectations.

With a promising young player in Jake Tonges and the continued importance of George Kittle to the offense, the 49ers will likely move forward without Farrell as a significant part of their plans. The team will undoubtedly look for a more reliable and consistent solution at tight end to help bolster their offense and deepen their playoff push in 2026. While Farrell’s time with the 49ers may be short-lived, his struggles in 2025 serve as a reminder of the importance of free-agent signings and the challenges that come with finding the right fit.