The San Francisco 49ers have terminated the contract of tight end Tanner McLachlan, the Canadian pass-catcher who briefly joined the team this summer.
The move came after McLachlan was waived from injured reserve with an injury settlement, ending his short stint with the franchise.
McLachlan, a native of Lethbridge, Alberta, signed a one-year deal with the 49ers on July 25, 2026. The team waived non-football injury tight end Khalil Dinkins to clear a roster spot for him.
At 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, McLachlan brought size and some collegiate production to a tight end group that has dealt with injuries and depth questions.
His time in San Francisco proved brief. On July 31, the 49ers waived him with an injury designation. He cleared waivers and reverted to injured reserve the following day. Less than a month later, the team released him from IR with a settlement, officially ending the contract.
Originally selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round (194th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft out of the University of Arizona, McLachlan appeared in two games as a rookie, primarily on special teams, without recording a reception.
The Bengals waived him with an injury designation during 2025 final cuts. He later spent time on the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad before being released in May 2026.
In college, McLachlan played at Southern Utah before transferring to Arizona. Over his final two seasons with the Wildcats, he recorded 79 receptions for 984 yards and six touchdowns in 25 games (18 starts). He earned Associated Press second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023.
The 49ers’ decision reflects the realities of roster construction in the preseason. With limited snaps available behind established options and ongoing evaluations of depth pieces, McLachlan’s injury limited his chance to compete. The team has shuffled the tight end room in recent weeks, including other transactions involving players such as Josiah Deguara.
For McLachlan, the release opens the door to pursue opportunities elsewhere as a free agent. At 27, the athletic tight end still possesses the size and college pedigree that made him a draft pick two years ago.
Whether he lands on another NFL roster, a practice squad, or explores options in the CFL—where the Calgary Stampeders hold his rights—remains to be seen.
The 49ers continue finalizing their roster ahead of the regular season, balancing injury recoveries and competition at multiple positions. McLachlan’s brief chapter in San Francisco underscores how quickly opportunities can open and close in the modern NFL.
