As the San Francisco 49ers transition from a bruising playoff exit into roster-planning mode, tight end has moved near the top of their 2026 checklist. George Kittle’s torn Achilles in the wild card round leaves San Francisco preparing for the real possibility that its offensive centerpiece at the position will miss most, if not all, of next season.
That reality has fueled early mock drafts linking the 49ers to a potential first-round successor who fits the organization’s preference for multipurpose skill players in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme.
49ers Aim To Find Injured George Kittle’s Replacement
The 49ers currently hold pick No. 27 in the 2026 NFL Draft, and early projections have focused on a tight end who can immediately contribute as both a receiver and a blocker. NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s first 2026 mock draft, highlighted by multiple outlets, has the 49ers selecting Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq at that spot.
The profile described in that projection matches what Shanahan has traditionally demanded at the position: movement skills, toughness in the run game, and flexibility to align in multiple spots.
Before detailing how Sadiq would fit, Jeremiah spelled out how highly he views the prospect relative to the board. After noting that the Oregon junior could come off the board earlier than 27, he explained why he views Sadiq as an ideal fit in San Francisco’s offense:
“Sadiq could go much higher than 27th overall. He’s undersized, but he has outstanding speed and is a competitive blocker. He would be the ultimate chess piece for Kyle Shanahan, giving the coach a hybrid of George Kittle and Kyle Juszczyk.”
KEEP READING: 2026 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: Jets and Dolphins Select QBs of the Future, While 5 WRs Go in Round 1
Production and usage at Oregon back up that scouting note. Across three seasons, Sadiq totaled 80 receptions for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns, with his 2025 campaign including team‑high figures in catches and scores for the Ducks. He reportedly led all collegiate tight ends with eight receiving touchdowns last season and was a John Mackey Award finalist.
For a 49ers team that just leaned on Jake Tonges, Luke Farrell, and Brayden Willis to fill in snaps, adding a first‑round tight end with that resume would give Shanahan both an immediate passing-game threat and a longer runway for a post‑Kittle depth chart.
How Long is George Kittle Out For? Return Timeline
Kittle’s exact return date has not been set publicly, but the nature and timing of the injury underscore why San Francisco is treating 2026 as an open question for his availability. The All‑Pro tight end suffered a torn Achilles in the wild-card game, a late‑season injury that commonly carries a lengthy rehab timeline.
Local reporting has indicated the 49ers expect him to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season, even as both Kittle and general manager John Lynch have expressed optimism about his long‑term ability to work back from the surgery.
In practice, that means the team must approach 2026 as if it cannot count on Kittle as a weekly option, particularly early in the year. Tonges was “really strong” filling in during Kittle’s six regular‑season absences, finishing with 34 receptions for 293 yards and five touchdowns, and he is a restricted free agent this offseason. Farrell remains under contract through 2027 after a limited receiving role. That combination gives San Francisco depth, but not a clear one‑for‑one replacement for Kittle’s down‑to‑down impact.
Drafting Sadiq at No. 27, as Jeremiah predicts, would address both the short‑term and long‑term questions. In the near term, he could help stabilize the tight end room while Kittle rehabs, sharing work with existing options.
Looking ahead, he could pair with Kittle if the veteran returns late in 2026 or in 2027, then transition into a primary role when Kittle eventually steps away. With the 49ers’ offense built around versatile weapons who can threaten both as blockers and receivers, the combination of Kittle’s uncertain timeline and Sadiq’s skill set explains why early draft projections keep connecting the two.
