49ers Bolster Offense with Tight End Sadiq

San Francisco adds dynamic weapon for QB Brock Purdy in 2026 NFL Draft

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:40am by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The San Francisco 49ers have signed veteran wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year deal, but they may not be done upgrading their offense. According to ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay, the 49ers are projected to use their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on former Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who could serve as a successor to the injured George Kittle.

Why it matters

The 49ers are looking to surround young quarterback Brock Purdy with as much offensive talent as possible after a promising rookie season. Adding a dynamic tight end like Sadiq to complement wide receiver Mike Evans and the rest of the 49ers' offensive weapons could take their offense to new heights.

The details

McShay believes Sadiq could realistically land with several teams in the back half of the first round, including the Rams, Buccaneers, and Eagles. However, the 49ers at pick No. 27 are seen as a logical landing spot given the importance of the tight end position in Kyle Shanahan's offense and the uncertainty surrounding George Kittle's recovery from an Achilles injury suffered late last season.

  • The 49ers signed wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year contract earlier this month.
  • George Kittle suffered an Achilles tear during the 49ers' NFC Wild Card win in Philadelphia last season.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for next month.

The players

Brock Purdy

The 49ers' starting quarterback who is looking to build on a promising rookie season.

Mike Evans

The veteran wide receiver the 49ers signed to a three-year contract this offseason.

George Kittle

The 49ers' star tight end who is recovering from an Achilles injury suffered late last season.

Kenyon Sadiq

The former Oregon tight end who is projected to be drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Todd McShay

The ESPN draft analyst who projected the 49ers to select Sadiq with their first-round pick.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“With so many edge rushers, receivers, and offensive tackles coming off the board, Sadiq slides further than expected into the back half of the first round. There are several spots where he could realistically land — including the Rams at 13, Buccaneers at 15, and Eagles at 23 — but it didn't break that way in this exercise. That leaves San Francisco at No. 27 as a logical landing spot, given the importance of the tight end in Kyle Shanahan's system and the severity and timing of George Kittle's injury.”

— Todd McShay, ESPN Draft Analyst

What’s next

The 49ers will look to address their offense further in the 2026 NFL Draft, with the selection of Kenyon Sadiq at pick No. 27 being a potential key addition.

The takeaway

The 49ers are committed to surrounding young quarterback Brock Purdy with as much offensive talent as possible, as evidenced by their free agent signing of Mike Evans and the potential first-round selection of tight end Kenyon Sadiq. This offseason strategy could pay dividends for the 49ers' offense in the 2026 season.