On Monday afternoon, the San Francisco 49ers formally announced the signing of Patrick Taylor Jr., a former Green Bay Packers running back. He was not the only change the team made. The Niners also signed tight end Eric Saubert to a one-year deal.
Saubert is 6’5 and weighs between 248 and 253 pounds, depending on the source. The 29-year-old was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft from the University of Drake.
When the 49ers sought Brock Wright from the Detroit Lions, they were seeking for someone with Saubert’s body type. While Saubert is obviously cheaper, he is also four years older and produces less. Saubert had his best year as a pass receiver, finishing with 15 receptions for 148 yards, a career high.
Saubert will most likely see action as a bigger-bodied blocking tight end in 12 personnel (1 running back, 2 tight ends, and 2 wide receivers), allowing George Kittle to run a route against a linebacker rather than blocking.
