We are only half a week away from the NFL Draft 2025, and the big league franchises are nothing but cooking something special. And to talk about making a delicious piece, not mentioning Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers, would be a mistake. The 49ers are currently on a rocky path where they are exploring Brock Purdy‘s contract extension, desperately searching for George Kittle‘s replacement, and are also keeping an eye on the draft. And the recent update tells a shocking fact about Shanahan’s strategy before and after the draft. 

For Shanahan, the draft is extremely important in deciding the future of the team. The decisions made here will reportedly clear the road ahead for Shanahan to move important pieces. In a latest report on Sunday, the 49ers Sports Talk reported that “The #49ers are very much in play to trade for a vet after the draft,” which has put all NFL teams on notice. 

The 49ers Sports Talk also monitored which players the 49ers can trade for. Actually, it’s not surprising as the teams usually make trades after and, especially, during the NFL drafts. And the very vibrant and recent rumor around it is, Aaron Rodgers is also waiting for the draft, so that more options will be available for him till the season starts.  

Coming back to the same post, WR Kendrick Bourne is a potential first target along with two defensive players. It would be a great decision if they trade for Kendrick Bourne, as the wideout has been with the team in his rookie years from 2017 to 2020. He then moved to New England. Currently, he is under a two-year $19,500,000 contract with Mike Vrabel‘s Patriots till 2026. Additionally, his performance, experience, and roots with the San Francisco team can also benefit the franchise. 

In the 2024 season, Bourne made 28 receptions for 305 yards and scored a touchdown. This may look like slim stats, but Kyle Shanahan’s team witnessed Kendrick Bourne’s lightning performance in 2019, where he landed 5 touchdowns after receiving only 30 passes. So, it would be great for Purdy’s offense. But along with him, two defensive players are also on the radar. 

According to rumors, defensive end A. J. Epenesa and defensive tackle Harrison Phillips are also two players Kyle Shanahan would trade for. Epenesa, a 2020 draft pick, is currently under the last year of his two-year, $12M worth free agent contract with the Bills. The former IOWA alum had 23 solo tackles and six sacks in the previous season with Josh Allen’s team, so it is no surprise if Shanahan’s team wants this beast. 

And to talk about Harrison Phillips, the 29-year-old Vikings DT, has made 16 solo tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble in the previous season. He is currently in the second-last year of his two-year $15,000,000 contract extension. His 2023 season was great, where the DT made 96 total tackles with three sacks. 

So, Kyle Shanahan’s urge to make trades for these three veteran players is understandable. But while the 49ers HC is moving forward with vets, he may not go forward with the veteran TE he has. Shanahan has also likely found a replacement for George Kittle as the TE’s contract extension is not on the table. 

Can Kyle Shanahan’s new TE fill George Kittle’s shoes?

In a solid draft analysis, PFF’s Dalton Wasserman made a shocking claim that the 49ers can draft the Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren. As the 49ers are approaching the draft, this would be a surprising pick. But before we go deep with the prospect, let’s quickly check out what is the current situation of George Kittle’s contract extension. 

So, if we see Kittle’s contract extension from a renowned NFL insider, Matt Maiocco, “I think they’ve already done themselves a bit of a disservice with the handling of George Kittle’s new deal.” Yeah, and reportedly, by the NFL draft, it will be a mess. The 31-year-old tight end is currently in the last year of his five-year, $75,000,000 contract with the 49ers. The cap hit he is carrying sits at $22,026,176. But still, Kyle Shanahan’s team doesn’t care. And that’s what aggressive decision-making means here. But let’s see if they sign him to a new contract after the draft. 

And to talk about Tyler Warren, the prospect made 104 receptions last season with Penn State. For that, he has covered 1,233 yards with an average of 11.9, and scored eight touchdowns. Warren’s performance in the 2024 semi-final against Boise State was great, where he scored two TDs, after receiving only six passes for 63 yards, where an average was 10.5.

So, Kyle Shanahan keeping an eye on Tyler Warren is worth millions, but fans also want to see if they will trade or just part ways with the current tight end, George Kittle. We think, let’s wait for the NFL draft 2025, and the picture will automatically get clear.