On Monday afternoon, the San Francisco 49ers formally revealed the signing of former Green Bay Packers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. The team took other actions in addition to him. Eric Saubert, a tight end, was also signed by the Niners to a one-year deal.
Saubert is classified as 6 feet 5 inches and weighs between 248 and 253 pounds, depending on where you check. The 29-year-old, who attended the University of Drake, was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
In their pursuit of Brock Wright from the Detroit Lions, the 49ers had Saubert’s physique type in mind for a target. Undoubtedly, Saubert is less expensive, but he is also four years older and produces less. During his finest year as a pass catcher, Saubert recorded a career-high 15 receptions for 148 yards at the end of the campaign.
In a lineup with one running back, two tight ends, and two wide receivers, Saubert will probably see more playing time as a bigger-bodied blocking tight end, freeing up George Kittle to run a route against a linebacker rather than block.