Earlier on Friday, a little birdie told me the 49ers were thinking pretty hard about drafting a tight end in the third round.
The 49ers are thinking hard about drafting a TE today. Kyle Shanahan picked Jordan Reed with the Redskins in round 3. SF needs a playmaker
— Kevin Jones (@Mr_KevinJones) April 28, 2017
Adding a little more fuel to that fire, a report from The Ringer says GM John Lynch is shopping tight end Vance McDonald.
Niners TE Vance McDonald is available for trade, even though he just signed an extension last Dec. New coach, changes happen.
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiuncgm) April 28, 2017
Former GM Trent Baalke signed Vance McDonald to a lucrative contract extension last December. In his first four NFL seasons, McDonald has 64 catches, 866 yards, 7 touchdowns. The timing of the extension was criticized, especially because the 49ers were in the midst of a 13-game losing streak and firings were imminent.
The other day at voluntary minicamp, Garrett Celek was receiving some of the first-team reps over McDonald. Kyle Shanahan drafted Jordan Reed for the Redskins back in 2013. Reading between the lines, the 49ers are looking to add more athleticism to that position group. Shanahan uses tight ends to scheme up other parts of the field, and when he has a playmaker there, linebackers and safeties have to pay attention.
The 49ers don’t pick until the third round, where they’ll select at No. 66 and No. 67 (acquired in a trade with the Bears).
