The San Francisco 49ers were rather busy this offseason, dealing with substantial roster turnover in an attempt to get both younger and cheaper. With a number of positions open on both sides of the ball due to free agency, general manager John Lynch had his work cut out for him.
The Niners extended their franchise quarterback Brock Purdy while also dishing out extensions to linebacker Fred Warner and tight end George Kittle, but they said goodbye to dual-threat wide receiver Deebo Samuel in a trade with the Washington Commanders.
In his past four seasons with the San Francisco, Kittle has hauled in at least six touchdowns or more. This type of consistency made it easy for Lynch and the rest of the front office to offer a four-year deal worth $76 million.
But it was another offseason contract for Kittle's backup that's awfully questionable.
49ers should have buyer's remorse for Luke Farrell contract
While 12 receptions for 67 yards may sound impressive for a tight end in a single game, that's exactly what Luke Farrell recorded in the entire 2024 NFL season. And yet the Niners made the former Jacksonville Jaguars tight end a prime free-agent pickup earlier this offseason.
Just like Kittle, the four-year veteran is also a former fifth-round pick. Ferrell is younger than Kittlle by four years, though.
Yet, giving a three-year deal worth $15.75 million to an offensive position player who has never caught a touchdown pass is potentially absurd. Ferrell has not missed a game in the past three NFL seasons, true, but many are scratching their heads and asking why that big of a commitment to a backup tight end.
A good majority of the other free agents the 49ers signed were on one-year tenders. Running back Patrick Taylor, defensive tackle Kevin Givens, safeties Jason Pinnoch and Richie Grant as well as linebacker Luke Gifford are just a few examples of players who will be a free agent again after the 2025 season.
Ferrell had his lowest receiving yards average per game last season with 5.6 yards a catch. In 66 career games for the Jags, the former Ohio State Buckeye has only recorded 15 first downs.
Virtually a blocker-first type tight end, Ferrell has not been a focus in the offensive play book normally. With Kittle, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, DeMarcus Robinson and rookie Jordan Watkins, Ferrell is not leaping those names in regard to targets and looks down field.
With Charlie Woerner leaving in free agency in 2024, San Francisco had to find a second tight end to play behind Kittle.
On a deal with $6 million in guarantees, Ferrell's contract may be one of the worst for the 49ers this offseason.
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