The San Francisco 49ers last week failed to sign restricted free agent tight end Brock Wright away from the Detroit Lions. With the addition of a free agent, they have now strengthened the position.
Eric Saubert has signed a one-year contract with San Francisco, the team announced on Monday. The 49ers also verified the rumored signing of Patrick Taylor, a running back.
In 2017, Saubert was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round. He was only with Atlanta for two seasons before moving around the league.
In 2021 and 2022, he was a member of the Denver Broncos, where he collaborated with Klint Kubiak, who was the 49ers passing game coordinator the previous season.
Last season, Saubert played for the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, and Houston Texans. While in Miami and Houston, he collaborated with Mike McDaniel and Bobby Slowik, two former 49ers offensive assistants.
Although Saubert did not play in any Dolphins or Cowboys games, he did play in nine Texans games, despite only managing three receptions for 12 yards.
The 49ers signed Wright to an offer sheet for $12 million over three years, only to have the Lions match it before he was signed.
Wright would have been guaranteed a spot as the 49ers’ backup tight end behind George Kittle, but Saubert is probably just going to be another player competing with Cameron Latu and Brayden Willis, who were selected by San Francisco in the third and seventh rounds, respectively, this past year.
Saubert brings knowledge with the Shanahan scheme from his recent work with McDaniel and Slowik, which may work to his advantage in the competition for spots on the 53-man roster and practice squad during training camp in July.
However, the 49ers are still free to select a tight end this month despite his signing. The Niners will eventually require Kittle’s long-term replacement. While Saubert is by no means that, at least at this position, San Francisco gains further seasoned depth behind their All-Pro starter, where they currently lack experience.