The NFL's free agency tampering window is wide open, and teams didn't waste any time getting in on the action. Unfortunately, one of the early moves negatively impacted the San Francisco 49ers, who lost offensive tackle Jaylon Moore to the Kansas City Chiefs via a suspiciously quick contract signing.
While losing Moore is unfortunate, the 49ers can't dwell on offseason losses. Idle hands don't build potential Super Bowl contenders, which is why general manager John Lynch didn't waste any time pulling off an underrated signing following Moore's exit.
49ers Sign TE Luke Farrell to 3-Year Contract in Free Agency
On Monday afternoon, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the 49ers have signed veteran tight end Luke Farrell to a three-year contract worth up to $20.25 million. The former Ohio State Buckeye will earn $11 million in guaranteed money after spending his first four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
On paper, Farrell is far from the biggest free agent this offseason — especially from an offensive perspective. The 27-year-old TE was only targeted 47 times across 66 games since the start of the 2021 campaign, hauling in 36 balls (76.6%) for 318 receiving yards without a score.
With that in mind, the 49ers signed him due to his blocking skills rather than any potential offensive upside (or lack thereof). The ex-2021 fifth-rounder has been a blocker on 70.0% of offensive snaps in his career and is coming off a 2024 campaign that saw him register a personal-high 82.6 Pro Football Focus pass protection grade while also earning a mark of 61.9 as a run blocker.
Although the 49ers finished with a respectable 72.0 pass block grade (11th) last season, it never hurts to bolster protection — especially with franchise quarterback Brock Purdy looking for reasons to sign a long-term contract with San Francisco.
Even though blocking is what he does best, it isn't as if Farrell is completely useless as a pass-catcher. It was only in 2023 when the 6-foot-5 TE averaged 11.9 yards on 13 receptions as he drew a 109.7 passer rating when targeted, meaning he can likely fill in on passing downs whenever George Kittle needs a breather.
At the end of the day, signing Farrell is the perfect move that will make the 49ers' offense better in the long run. While he might not make much noise during training camp, expect the veteran TE to make his presence felt once the 2025 NFL season begins.
Time will tell if Farrell will help the 49ers capitalize on their Super Bowl 60 odds, which currently sit at +1300 (6th) on FanDuel Sportsbook before free agency kicks into full gear.