On Monday, the San Francisco 49ers signed a tight end to replace a player they lost this offseason. The 49ers have had a bit of a shakeup at the position this offseason.

The 49ers lost tight end Charlie Woerner during free agency this month when he signed with the Atlanta Falcons. The 49ers put in a bid to sign restricted free agent Brock Wright to be Woerner’s replacement for the upcoming season.

The San Francisco 49ers lost out on Brock Wright

However, with about an hour to go before the 49ers’ deal for Wright was complete last Wednesday, the Detroit Lions agreed to match the 49ers’ offer. Thus, the 49ers lost out on their best chance to replace Woerner in free agency.

The 49ers are expected to look at adding a tight end in this year’s draft. The addition they made on Monday should help with the depth of the position.

Eric Saubert signed with the 49ers

Per a statement by the team, the 49ers signed Eric Saubert to the roster:

“The San Francisco 49ers announced they have signed TE Eric Saubert… Saubert (6-5, 248) was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round (174th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Throughout his seven-year NFL career with the Falcons (2017-18), Chicago Bears (2019), Jacksonville Jaguars (2020), Denver Broncos (2021-22), Dallas Cowboys (2023) and Houston Texans (2023), he has appeared in 84 games (16 starts) and registered 36 receptions for 292 yards and two touchdowns. In 2023, Saubert appeared in 10 games (one start) with the Cowboys and Texans and finished with three receptions for 12 yards.”

Saubert will be asked to run block

Saubert won’t be asked to have a significant role in the 49ers passing attack. Hie will help in Kyle Shanahan’s run scheme for the upcoming season. Saubert won’t be the player that the 49ers were hoping to get with Wright, but they’ll get an important weapon to help open lanes for Christian McCaffrey next season.

Per Pro Football Focus, Saubert earned a 63.6 run-blocking grade.