SANTA CLARA – The 49ers have been largely inert throughout free company this offseason, selecting as an alternative to give attention to contract extensions with franchise cornerstones Brock Purdy, Fred Warner and George Kittle, whereas on the identical time shedding wage to get youthful following a 6-11 season.
It wasn’t seemed upon favorably by a fan base hoping for some star energy. There was one exception, and it was an enormous one in a bodily sense. Luke Farrell will not be huge when it comes to identify recognition, however he performs huge.
Virtually misplaced within the whirlwind opening days of free company was the staff rapidly reaching an settlement with tight finish Luke Farrell. Whereas throwing others overboard – permitting their very own free brokers to go away, in addition to releasing some underneath contract – the 49ers prolonged a hand to Farrell, a 27-year-old four-year veteran with Jacksonville who obtained a three-year contract with $11 million assured and a most worth of $20.25 million.
It was a reasonably good chunk of change for a staff seeking to cut back payroll, particularly with the presence of a Corridor of Fame candidate in Kittle already on the roster and nonetheless in his prime.
“I’ve heard from guys which were there,” Farrell mentioned of former Jaguars teammates who as soon as performed for the 49ers. “I like how they function and the chance to play on this offense with these coaches and gamers.”
Since he arrived in 2017, the 12 months Kittle was drafted, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has cycled by means of eight extra tight ends – Garrett Celek, Logan Paulsen, Ross Dwelley (he left and got here again final 12 months), Levine Toilolo, Jordan Reed, Tyler Kroft, Eric Saubert and Brayden Williams.
None obtained the sort of monetary compensation afforded to Farrell.
“I believe having a No. 2 tight finish within the NFL is big,” Shanahan mentioned. “Often, there’s one man who excels within the move recreation and one man who excels within the run recreation.”
Farrell, at 6-foot-5, 250 kilos, has simply 36 profession receptions and has but to attain his first NFL landing. However he’s a individuals mover who operates virtually as an additional sort out. Reasonably than rely solely on angles and leverage, Farrell can truly transfer the mountains that face him as edge setters or beasts approaching stunts from the inside.
“Luke, his (recreation) tape was very, very spectacular,” offensive line coach and run recreation coordinator Chris Foerster mentioned. “He actually has an influence on defensive ends. When he blocks or hits one, there’s motion. You see issues with him that you simply don’t see in numerous tight ends.”
The presence of Farrell, a fifth-round select of Ohio State in 2021, will put Kittle within the passing recreation extra usually as a receiver, both flexed or put in movement, whereas he takes care of an enormous proportion of the soiled work alongside the road of scrimmage.
“I take numerous pleasure in it,” Farrell mentioned. “Since I used to be in school, I’ve simply actually purchased into the staff mindset and no matter I can do to assist propel the offense ahead and the staff ahead and that’s what my position has been. Additionally, all I can do on particular groups. It’s allowed me to have the profession I’ve had to this point, and I’ve numerous gratitude for it.”
The eye paid to Kittle may end in Farrell’s first NFL landing in addition to elevated alternatives for Brock Purdy for a dependable set of arms as a receiver.
“He’s bought unexplored expertise within the passing recreation,” tight ends coach Brian Fleury mentioned.
Which is okay by Farrell.
“I’m all the time within the mindset of wherever they want me, I’m going to be there,” Farrell mentioned. “I’m going to be the place I’m speculated to be, once I’m speculated to be there, and that’s as a receiver, too.
Kittle, like Farrell, was a fifth-round draft choose. He was additionally from a Huge Ten faculty, Iowa, and has morphed from unassuming rookie with close-cropped hair to big-time, big-haired character on a nationwide scale.
Farrell carries with him the identical mentality he had at Ohio State, the place he was a participant merely attempting to make a roster on the outset. He didn’t see himself as an NFL participant. A superb scholar, Farrell’s long-term purpose for athletics was staying concerned as a bodily therapist.
“I used to be a developmental man at Ohio State, redshirted, and actually didn’t get any vital time till my third 12 months,” Farrell mentioned. “Then it was like, `OK, this can be a actual risk.’ As soon as it turned potential, I simply needed to maintain doing what I used to be doing and carry out the position they needed me in. When you could have success on a staff like that, you’re going to get the publicity.”
Farrell cuts a powerful determine among the many place group, and Kittle is happy to see what he brings when it comes to physicality.
“I like that he’s an enormous dude. I’m an enormous fan of that,” Kittle mentioned. “He’s bought nice tape. He’s excited to be right here, and I’m excited to get to work with him, too. He’s an skilled man and has performed numerous reps, so it’s not such as you’re educating a rookie.”
Throughout the offseason, Farrell attended Tight Finish College in Nashville, the yearly summit for the place hosted by Kittle and fellow Professional Bowl tight ends Travis Kelce and Greg Olsen. Earlier than that, Farrell’s connection to Kittle got here in a Zoom assembly throughout the COVID pandemic.
“He was on as a result of his dad had a reference to Kevin Wilson, who was our tight ends coach on the time. They each coached at Oklahoma,” Farrell mentioned. “George had some down time, and we have been simply learning numerous ball and have been attempting to choose up any abilities we may simply from movie examine.
“He hopped on with us, advised us what he was about, gave us a few of his expertise and knowledge, having a handful of years in. (After I signed with the 49ers), he reached out straight away and welcomed me.”
Farrell joins the 49ers, a Tremendous Bowl contender, from a Jaguars staff that went 4-13 final season after twice going 9-8. In Farrell’s rookie 12 months, they have been 3-14, so he is aware of what a shedding locker room can really feel like.
The 49ers, Farrell believes, don’t have the vibe of a staff that went 6-11 a 12 months in the past.
“If you happen to didn’t know what occurred final 12 months, you’d don’t know of their file,” Farrell mentioned. “That’s a testomony to the individuals within the constructing, and their resiliency and the way skilled they’re. You don’t dwell on the previous whenever you’re wanting ahead to the season.”
