Heading into the NFL trade deadline, San Francisco 49ers general manager considered a lot of deals. Some were more unique than others. Not only did the 49ers manage to strengthen their defensive trenches by trading a fourth-round pick for DeForest Buckner, who was on an expiring contract, they also parted with a sixth-round pick in exchange for wide receiver Keenan Allen.

However, now it’s become known that the 49ers also had another Pro Bowl pass-catcher on their radar, one who plays the same position as a 33-year-old George Kittle.

San Francisco 49ers Considered Trading for Evan Engram

The 49ers may have one of the best tight ends in the NFL, but Kittle is also in his 10th season, and eventually, they’ll need to find a replacement. Yet, as San Francisco’s front office was considering roster upgrades, the 49ers had someone in mind who could not replace Kittle but help complement him and take attention away from the seven-time Pro Bowler.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the 49ers also checked in with the Denver Broncos on trading for two-time Pro Bowler Evan Engram, who is just a year younger than Kittle.

“The 49ers looked around for tight end help, and the Broncos’ Evan Engram was on their radar. But they landed on Keenan Allen, who’s a bigger receiver and perhaps serves some of the same functions in the offense.”

Jeremy Fowler on Evan Engram Trade

The Broncos, who are 7-2, didn’t end up trading Engram, which came as no surprise. Still, for a 49ers team that was also looking to improve, it made sense to make the call on a player who is playing out the final year of his contract in Denver.

Engram has caught 17 of 30 receptions for 169 yards and a touchdown this season, but it’s possible the 49ers had a bigger role in mind for the 10-year veteran had Denver been more open to negotiating a deal.