San Francisco 49ers make an unexpected free agency decision that literally has no downside

Though attention has largely turned towards next month's draft, the San Francisco 49ers are not quite done with free agency. 

San Francisco has made an unexpected move in an attempt to bolster its offensive depth. Per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Niners have signed Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright to an offer sheet.

Wright, the Lions' backup tight end behind Sam LaPorta last season, is a restricted free agent who was tendered at the right of first refusal/original round level by Detroit. 

That tender is worth $2.985 million, but the Lions now have five days to match the 49ers' offer sheet or Wright will join the San Francisco tight end room.

Wright had just two blown blocks on 91 zone run blocking snaps in 2023, per Sports Info Solutions, his impressive play in that regard making him a strong fit for the 49ers' offensive scheme. 

He would seemingly fill the void left by blocking tight end Charlie Woerner, who left the 49ers for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.

Woerner had the third-highest Pro Football Focus run blocking grade among tight ends in 2023 behind 49ers All-Pro starter George Kittle and Will Dissly.

One reason behind the 49ers' decision is that it literally has no downside. 

The 49ers will not have lost anything if the Lions do match the offer sheet. However, if the Lions decline the opportunity to do so, the Niners will sign Wright without having to give up a draft pick. That is because Wright entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2021.

Having lost Woerner and made no effort to re-sign Ross Dwelley, the 49ers' depth at tight end behind Kittle is very inexperienced. Cameron Latu, their 2023 third-round pick, did not play in his rookie year because of a knee injury. Seventh-rounder Brayden Willis played sparingly in his maiden season and was primarily limited to special teams.

As such, it would benefit the 49ers to add a veteran behind Kittle. They have identified Wright as a player who fits the bill, but their hopes of signing him rest in the hands of Detroit general manager Brad Holmes.