49ers should aim to sign former 1st-round pick recently-released by division rival

It’s time for the San Francisco 49ers to kick tires on a different type of tight end.

The 49ers added TEs Luke Farrell and Ross Dwelley in free agency to provide depth behind George Kittle. They could be key factors in helping Kittle get loose as one of the team’s top pass catchers again in 2025. A new TE hit the free agent market Sunday when the Seattle Seahawks released former Denver Broncos first-round pick Noah Fant. He’s a dramatically different style of TE than Farrell and Dwelley, which would create some additional opportunities for the 49ers’ offense.

While Farrell and Dwelley are primarily used as blockers, Fant brings a more dynamic pass-catching element alongside Kittle that the 49ers haven’t had outside of Jordan Reed’s brief tenure in 2020.

Fant, 28, has averaged 591 yards and three touchdowns on 54 catches per year across his six NFL seasons with the Broncos and Seahawks. Last year in Seattle he posted 48 receptions, 500 yards and one TD.

There are opportunities with Fant’s athleticism to create havoc for opposing defenses with him and Kittle on the field together. It would also allow head coach Kyle Shanahan to utilize multiple TE looks where Kittle stays in to block while sending Fant out as a legitimate weapon opposing defenses have to account for. This would be especially helpful entering a season where there are so many question marks in the 49ers’ pass-catching group.

On the other hand, reality of a Fant-49ers union sets in when the conversation gets to his blocking abilities. Fant has struggled in that regard which eliminates some of the creativity behind having him on the field since teams aren’t necessarily worried about him when he stays in to block. If he’s on the field, it’s because he’s a receiving threat. Leaving him to do anything else is a win for the defense.

The lack of blocking prowess is probably enough to keep the 49ers away. However, they could use a shakeup in their TE room and with the talent they’re rolling out at the position. Fant has a high enough ceiling that taking a flier and trying to find a role for him should be something the 49ers are willing to do to add new wrinkles to their offense.

More 49ers: 4 intriguing safety options 49ers should consider signing after releasing George Odum

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: TE Noah Fant release by Seahawks opens door for 49ers in free agency