The San Francisco 49ers have been doing their offseason homework on tight ends to potentially back up George Kittle during the upcoming season, and possibly ease the workload for the All-Pro. To this point, they have interviewed or met with seven different tight end draft prospects, and reportedly inquired about free agents like Jordan Reed and Geoff Swaim.
The 49ers even reportedly "made a run" at signing former Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper, who eventually landed a four-year deal worth up to $44 million with the Cleveland Browns.
San Francisco may be willing to trade for a tight end, too, if the circumstances are right. Vincent Frank of Forbes tweeted out this past week that the 49ers have "shown interest" in potentially trading for New York Giants tight end Evan Engram.
Not sure about Burton for the 49ers. Will say they have sniffed around for a TE2 behind Kittle and have shown interest in Evan Engram trade. Whether draft, trade or FA, 49ers will add a TE.
— Vincent Frank (@VincentFrankNFL) April 17, 2020
The Giants made Engram the No. 23 overall selection in 2017 after playing college football at Ole Miss. He registered 44 receptions for 467 yards with three touchdowns through eight games and six starts this past season, landing on injured reserve with a foot injury on December 17, 2019.
That came after Engram missed time the previous season (2018) due to an MCL sprain and foot injury.
Engram, 25, has caught 153 passes for 1,766 yards with 12 touchdowns through his three NFL seasons. His best year as a pro came during his rookie campaign in 2017 when he hauled in 64 passes for 722 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find (via NBC Sports Bay Area)