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49ers giving a look to Shilo Sanders | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 19:31 GMT by Sporting News
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San Francisco 49ers Take a Close Look at Tight‑End Prospect Shilo Sanders

The 49ers’ front office has quietly begun a search for a new tight‑end weapon that could give the team a fresh spark on offense, and Shilo Sanders—an emerging star from the University of Southern California—has emerged as a leading target. The Sporting News coverage details how the franchise is evaluating Sanders as a potential trade acquisition, while also examining how he would fit into the current roster and the broader strategy the 49ers are pursuing as they move toward the next phase of their rebuild.

1. Why the 49ers Need a Tight End

San Francisco’s tight‑end situation has been a topic of conversation for several seasons. The team has traditionally leaned heavily on George Kittle, who has played a pivotal role in the offense’s success. Kittle’s performance has been hampered by a series of injuries—including a torn ACL and a torn biceps—creating a clear void that the team hopes to fill.

The 49ers’ roster is further constrained by the lack of a reliable second tight‑end option. With the 2024 NFL Draft looming and the team looking to bolster depth at the position, the coaching staff has expressed interest in either drafting a fresh prospect or pursuing an experienced player who can contribute immediately. Sanders presents an intriguing blend of athleticism, play‑making ability, and upside that aligns with the 49ers’ vision.

2. Shilo Sanders: A Quick Profile

Shilo Sanders is a 6‑foot‑3, 250‑pound tight end who played his college ball at USC. Over four seasons, Sanders posted solid numbers—recording 140 receptions, 1,700 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns. He earned first‑team All‑Pac‑12 honors twice and finished his collegiate career with a reputation for being a reliable target in both the short‑and‑mid‑range and deep‑ball situations.

Despite his success on the field, Sanders was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine—a decision that caused some debate among scouts. Nonetheless, his performance at USC’s pro day, where he posted a 5.1‑second 40‑meter dash and a 34‑inch vertical, reaffirmed his athletic profile. The 49ers’ personnel staff has been particularly interested in Sanders’ ability to block, a skill highly valued in the team’s offensive scheme.

3. The Trade Possibility

According to the Sporting News article, the 49ers are actively exploring trade options that could bring Sanders into the organization. The team is reportedly in talks with the Denver Broncos, who hold Sanders’ draft rights, to see if a swap involving a fourth‑round pick or a player in the 49ers’ roster would be feasible. The potential trade would give the 49ers an immediate upgrade at the tight‑end spot while still allowing them to retain flexibility in the draft.

In addition, the article highlights that the 49ers have previously conducted a “look‑at” exercise on a number of tight ends, including the veteran George Kittle’s former teammate, and are considering both immediate and long‑term solutions. A trade for Sanders would represent a significant step toward that objective, offering a blend of experience and upside.

4. How Sanders Would Fit In

The 49ers’ offensive philosophy is built around a hybrid passing and rushing attack that relies on versatile, high‑usage players. Under head coach Kyle Shanahan, the team has successfully utilized tight ends in a “two‑tight‑end” formation that emphasizes spacing and protection. In such a scheme, Sanders would be expected to contribute as a blocking tight end on the run game while also serving as a reliable pass‑catcher in a deep‑ball window.

Shore comments that Sanders’ ability to read defensive alignments would also aid in blocking for the team’s running back and wide receivers, a skill that would be especially valuable in the 49ers’ West‑coast offense. The Sporting News piece notes that the coaching staff is specifically looking at Sanders’ route‑running skills and his ability to make contested catches in traffic, attributes that would complement the team’s existing personnel.

5. Other Tight‑End Options and Context

While the article spotlights Sanders, it also references the broader landscape of tight‑end prospects for the 49ers. The team’s scouting reports have flagged other potential additions such as a former Texas A&M tight end who could provide a “ball‑catching” role. Additionally, the 49ers are eyeing the possibility of drafting a tight end in the 2024 draft to give them a long‑term solution.

The article also touches on the potential impact of Kittle’s future health and whether the team will push for a trade to avoid a potential “gap” in the tight‑end position. It highlights how the 49ers’ offensive line and pass‑catching talent in the backfield can create a fertile ground for a tight end who can both block and receive.

6. Follow‑Up and Next Steps

In the weeks leading up to the 2024 draft, the 49ers are expected to finalize their decision regarding whether to pursue a trade for Sanders or to continue evaluating other options. The Sporting News article concludes that the coaching staff will weigh the long‑term potential of Sanders against the immediate need for a reliable offensive weapon, while also balancing the financial and draft‑capital implications of a possible trade.

The article also directs readers to further coverage of the 49ers’ tight‑end depth chart, which includes a look at the roster’s existing tight ends and how they performed in the 2023 season. It links to a prior piece on the 49ers’ offensive strategy, providing additional context for the importance of a robust tight‑end lineup in the franchise’s pursuit of a championship.

Bottom Line

The Sporting News coverage provides a comprehensive look at the 49ers’ potential trade for Shilo Sanders. By combining an assessment of the player’s collegiate performance, his fit within the 49ers’ offensive scheme, and the broader roster needs, the article outlines why Sanders is considered a high‑priority target. The trade’s outcome—and whether Sanders will become a key contributor for the San Francisco 49ers—remains to be seen, but the team’s aggressive pursuit of a top tight‑end prospect signals an ongoing commitment to strengthening a critical position on the field.