49ers Add Veteran Tight End Josiah Deguara to Bolster Depth

The San Francisco 49ers are adding another experienced piece to their tight end room, as the team plans to sign veteran Josiah Deguara ahead of the 2026 season. The move comes as San Francisco looks to strengthen its depth during training camp while star tight end George Kittle continues to work his way back, creating a need for additional bodies at the position.

Originally selected by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Deguara has carved out a role as a versatile offensive weapon and dependable special teams contributor throughout his NFL career. After spending four seasons in Green Bay, he went on to play with the Jacksonville Jaguars before joining the Arizona Cardinals in 2025. Across his NFL career, Deguara has totaled 50 receptions for 450 yards and two touchdowns while appearing in 65 regular-season games.

Although he isn’t known as a high-volume receiving threat, Deguara offers flexibility that fits well within head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. At 6-foot-2 and around 240 pounds, he has experience lining up as an in-line tight end, in the slot, and even split out wide, giving the 49ers another chess piece capable of filling multiple roles. His willingness to block and contribute on special teams also increases his value as San Francisco rounds out its roster.

For the 49ers, this signing is less about replacing George Kittle and more about ensuring the offense has reliable depth throughout training camp and the preseason. Deguara’s experience and versatility should allow him to compete for a roster spot while providing insurance behind one of the NFL’s premier tight ends.

If Deguara performs well throughout camp, he could earn a meaningful reserve role entering the regular season, giving San Francisco another veteran option capable of contributing on offense and special teams whenever his number is called.