© Sergio Estrada | 2017 Nov 12
The 49ers have been reportedly sniffing around for another talented tight end to pair with George Kittle, and the most recent rumor involves the best one yet. San Francisco has ‘shown interest’ in trading for Giants tight end Evan Engram, according to NFL reporter Vincent Frank. Engram, though he’s missed 13 games over the past two seasons due to injuries, is considered one of the best young tight ends in the league when healthy.
Engram, 25, was selected in the first round of the 2017 Draft by the New York Giants and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team after catching 64 passes for 722 yards in his inaugural season. Engram is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in 2022, but the Giants hold a team option for the 2021 season.
Engram is only due to earn a little over $1.9 million next season, which makes him an interesting trade chip for teams like the 49ers who are looking to add depth to the position. The 49ers were linked to Austin Hooper before he signed a record-setting deal with the Cleveland Browns, and more recently the oft-injured Jordan Reed.
Heading into Thursday’s draft, the only two tight ends on the 49ers roster behind George Kittle are Ross Dwelley and Daniel Helm.