Brayden Willis

Career StatsF

Year	Team	GP	Rec	Yards	TD
Career		23	—	—	—
2025		6	0	0	0
2024		10	0	0	0
2023		7

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The 49ers locked up a solid depth piece at an extremely team-friendly number, making this Willis deal earn a B- CVI that leans heavily toward organizational value. At just $1.1M on a one-year prove-it contract, San Francisco is essentially getting a lottery ticket on a young tight end who showed flashes during his limited opportunities, with virtually zero financial risk if things don't pan out. Willis fits the classic Kyle Shanahan mold of a versatile tight end who can contribute in multiple packages, and at this salary point, he doesn't need to be anything more than a reliable fourth or fifth option to justify the investment. The short-term structure gives both sides flexibility — Willis gets a chance to earn a bigger payday with expanded usage, while the 49ers can evaluate whether he's worth a longer-term commitment without any dead money concerns. This is textbook roster management for a contending team that needs affordable depth behind their established starters, and the minimal financial commitment makes it a smart bet on upside potential.

Performance Analysis

Brayden Willis earns an F for the 49ers at tight end, a player who has been unable to make an impact in one of the most creative offenses in football. Willis has not shown the receiving ability or blocking prowess needed to earn snaps in San Francisco's system. His route running is rudimentary, and he has not been trusted as a pass-catching option. The 49ers typically get the most out of their tight ends, which makes Willis's lack of production even more glaring. He is a fringe roster player who has not given the coaching staff any reason to expand his role.