49ers Release Veteran TE to Clear Space for Offensive Lineman
In a surprising move ahead of the final roster cuts, the San Francisco 49ers have released veteran tight end, signaling a shift in their roster strategy. The decision comes as the team looks to solidify its offensive line depth for the upcoming season, making room for a newly signed offensive lineman.
The 49ers' front office has been under pressure to improve the line’s protection and create competition at key positions, and the release of the tight end, who had been with the team for several years, appears to be a part of this overall plan. Although the tight end had been a reliable target in past seasons, his limited impact during training camp and preseason games contributed to the team’s decision.
“This wasn’t an easy choice, especially with the contributions [tight end] has made over the years,” said 49ers general manager John Lynch. “But as we evaluate the roster and the needs of the team, we felt this was the right move to improve our depth on the offensive line. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
The veteran tight end’s release leaves a hole in the 49ers’ receiving corps, but the team's coaching staff is confident that younger players will step up to fill the void. However, the primary focus now shifts to bolstering the offensive line, which has been a point of concern for the 49ers in recent seasons.
“We’ve been prioritizing building a stronger offensive front, and this move reflects that,” said head coach Kyle Shanahan. “We’re excited to add depth to the line, and we believe this will help us get better protection for the quarterback and create more balance offensively.”
The 49ers have quickly signed a new offensive lineman to take the spot left by the tight end’s release, reinforcing their commitment to improving the protection around quarterback Trey Lance or Jimmy Garoppolo, depending on who earns the starting job.
The move is a bold one, signaling the 49ers’ focus on improving their offensive balance as they approach the regular season. While losing a veteran tight end is always a tough call, the team is hopeful that this adjustment will help build a more formidable line and, in turn, a more successful offense.
