Paulsen is expected to fill in for the recently-departed Levine Toilolo as a blocking tight end for the Falcons, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Paulsen is an overwhelming favorite to be the team's No. 2 option at tight end this season, with extensive experience in Kyle Shanahan-directed offenses. Although there are some new wrinkles to the offense with Steve Sarkisian now at the helm, the unit's overall approach has not been drastically altered from the Shanahan era of two years ago. Paulsen played under Shanahan in Washington between 2010 and 2013, and again reunited with the offensive guru last season in San Francisco. The seven-year veteran is a non-threat through the air, with 82 receptions in 105 games and fewer than 850 receiving yards for his career, but what he does offer is solid run blocking -- Paulsen has helped pave the way for four 1,000-yard rushers over his past five healthy seasons with the Redskins, Bears and 49ers (the only exception being Carlos Hyde's 2017 campaign, in which he compiled 938 yards on the ground).

Paulsen and the Falcons agreed to terms on a one-year contract Wednesday, Will McFadden of the team's official website reports.

EDGE Analysis

After announcing their intention to part ways with Levine Toilolo earlier this offseason, the Falcons left themselves in need of a blocking tight end. Paulsen has never been a prolific receiving threat in his seven-year career (career-high season in catches came in 2013 when he had 28 for Washington), but he offers a veteran presence and possesses the aptitude to handle the blocking abilities required of the position. Last year the 49ers utilized Paulsen almost exclusively in the capacity of a blocker, as he saw 144 offensive snaps but just two targets.

Paulsen played in 14 games for the 49ers but did not record a reception despite logging 147 offensive snaps.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran tight end is known for his blocking prowess, and that is exactly how head coach Kyle Shanahan deployed his third tight end for the majority of the year. He was cut and re-sign a couple of times, but that's just the nature of how one of the last men on the 53-man roster gets treated in the NFL. The 30-year-old is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but his previous history with Shanahan back in Washington could see the blocking tight end re-signed for a similar, non-fantasy relevant role.

Paulsen signed a one-year contract with the 49ers on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Paulsen was let go by the 49ers for the third time this season in late October, but the team's tight end depth took a hit with George Kittle (leg) ruled out for Week 10 and Cole Hikutuni (knee) placed on injured reserve. The 30-year-old will likely serve as the team's secondary tight end against the Giants on Sunday and until Kittle is cleared to play.

The 49ers waived Paulsen on Tuesday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's the third time that Paulsen has been cut by San Francisco since the beginning of training camp, which illustrates his place on the periphery of the roster. Even if he re-signs with the 49ers and sticks along for a prolonged period, Paulsen will act mainly as a blocker and won't see much involvement in the passing game.

Paulsen signed a contract with the 49ers on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Paulsen will return to San Francisco just two days after the team released him to provide the 49ers with a fourth tight end. Never much of a pass-catching threat when he had a clearer path to regular snaps earlier in his career, the 30-year-old Paulsen will likely act primarily as a blocker if he's able to see the field Sunday against the Cowboys.

Paulsen was released by the 49ers on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Paulsen was released in order to make room for two defensive line signings after the team placed Arik Armstead (hand) on injured reserve. Paulsen didn't see many offensive reps with the 49ers this season, spending most of his time instead on special teams.

Paulsen will re-sign with the 49ers after being released by the team on Saturday, Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Paulsen was waived in order to create a roster spot for defensive tackle Xavier Cooper, but with fellow tackle Rondald Blair headed for injured reserve, San Francisco temporality has another roster spot open. Paulsen is expected to serve as the team's primary backup tight end for 2017.

Paulsen hauled in his only target for 11 yards in Thursday's preseason finale against the Chargers.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran tight end has had a quiet preseason with his new team, but the recent trade of Vance McDonald to Pittsburgh coupled with Paulsen's familiarity with head coach Kyle Shanahan's blocking schemes puts him in a strong position to make the cut as a backup.

Paulsen has suited up for both of the 49ers' preseason contests, but he has yet to garner a target in the passing game.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran tight end was brought in by Kyle Shanahan due to his familiarity with his offensive scheme from their days in Washington. This connection between the two may dismiss Paulsen's lack of touches, because his skill set should be already be clear to the 49ers' new head coach. San Francisco's third tight end job will likely come down to Paulsen and Garrett Celek.