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San Francisco 49ers Reach Verbal Agreement to Sign Veteran Pass-Catching TE Before Final Preseason Game, per Source

SANTA CLARA — The San Francisco 49ers have reached a verbal agreement to add veteran pass-catching tight end Gerald Everett, pending a full team physical, per a source briefed on the talks. Because Everett dealt with a health issue last summer and a limited 2024, the agreement is contingent on him clearing medicals; if he does not pass, the signing will not be finalized. The timing lines up with the club’s preseason finale against the Chargers at Levi’s Stadium on Sat., Aug. 23, 5:30 p.m. PT, a last look before Tuesday’s cutdown.

Everett, 31, hit the market in February after the Bears released him to create cap space. He opened Chicago’s 2024 camp on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list before returning, and finished the year in a muted receiving role — context that explains why the 49ers want the medical box checked before proceeding.

From a football fit, Everett profiles as a motion/YAC seam threat who’s comfortable in condensed formations and play-action — traits that historically mesh with Kyle Shanahan’s offense and complement George Kittle without disrupting the current depth chart. The idea, per the source, would be to integrate Everett into third-down and red-zone packages quickly if the medical clears, then let the role evolve after cutdown and into September.

Why this makes sense now: Final-week roster churn often targets specific situational skills. Everett’s availability and experience give San Francisco a veteran pass-game outlet at TE precisely when staff are scripting early-season answers and evaluating bottom-of-roster flexibility.

What’s next: Everett travels for the team physical. If all goes well, paperwork could follow ahead of the Chargers game; if not, both sides are expected to move on without a deal. Either way, the 49ers will have one more live audition on Saturday before trimming to 53

49ers Fan-Favourite OL Faces Family Tragedy Ahead of Week 6 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
San Francisco 49ers rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters.Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Puni, whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller's , grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dominick that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Dominick lives and plays today.” Puni, a rookie out of Kansas, has steadily earned the 49ers’ trust along the offensive line, praised for his physicality in the run game and poise in protection. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years.” The 49ers have privately offered support and time for Puni and his family, ensuring he can process the loss away from team obligations. Teammates have rallied behind him, honoring his family’s resilience and service background. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to Fuller — under his nickname “Spidey” — continue to flood social media from military peers, skydivers, and fans nationwide. “He taught others to fly — now he’s flying higher than all of us,” one tribute read.