49ers’ George Kittle admits to asking John Lynch for trade intel, inquired about Khalil Mack

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch says he's not sure why the team is constantly linked to players as a potential trade destination. He's certainly heard the speculation surrounding Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack, and not just from fans.

On Friday morning, during an appearance on Bay Area radio station KNBR, Lynch revealed that tight end George Kittle asked him about Mack on Thursday. He also suggested that Kittle frequently approaches him to fish for information about potential trades.

"It's usually Kittle because he asks about everything, which I love," Lynch said.

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Kittle had a chance to respond after Friday's practice and openly admitted that he often asks Lynch about potential moves the 49ers could make.

"Anytime I see John Lynch on his little deck up there, on the phone or texting, especially, you know, we're a couple weeks out of the trade deadline, I just like to chirp him and ask what he's interested in, to see if he'll give me anything," Kittle told reporters.

Kittle acknowledged that he might not be the only player trying to get information from Lynch. In fact, he jokingly suggested that he was a little jealous that some teammates might be getting more inside information than he was.

"He didn't really give me a lot yesterday, but me, [FB Kyle Juszczyk], [T] Trent [Williams], we all chirp him just to see if he'll actually tell us anything," Kittle added. "I think he tells Trent the most, not me, though."

Head coach Kyle Shanahan also acknowledged the 49ers could make a move before the trade deadline if the right opportunity arises. It just has to make long-term sense.

"I know John wants to do that as much as anyone, and that's what he's looking to every day and every week," Shanahan said during a radio interview. "Usually, it gets a little bit more real the closer you get to that deadline, just as far as the whole league, but I know if there's something out there that makes sense, that we think can help us, I know he won't hesitate to do it."

While Kittle is certainly intrigued by potential trades, the tight end remains focused on winning games with the players currently in the locker room.

"We ride who we came here with," Kittle said. "And then if they want to add somebody, hey, we'll welcome them with open arms. But all we're focused on is who's in this locker room, how can we use you, and how can we win a football game."

More info on: Kyle Juszczyk, George Kittle, Trent Williams