As the 2026 NFL trade deadline approaches, it shouldn't be a surprise that the 49ers are considering a few moves to upgrade their roster. They've already improved their defensive line, so what's next?

Considering all of the injuries to the wide receiver position, including the recent placement of Christian Kirk back on IR, adding WR help would make a ton of sense. The 49ers are showing interest in some of the top WR options this season.

But, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport, they're also considering an interesting and creative alternative to the WR room. Instead, they are looking at the tight end position for an offensive upgrade.

49ers looking to the TE market for a creative trade option

"The 49ers are also combing the tight end market, which would be another way to add a pass-catcher if a trade for a receiver doesn't come to fruition," Schefter and Rapoport report.

With the 49ers in need of more offensive firepower, wide receiver is an obvious area to target. Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, De'Zhaun Stribling, and Kirk are all missing time due to injuries right now.

Demarcus Robinson is coming back, and the 49ers should be able to get Stribling back in December, while Evans and Samuel might return in the near future.

All three can come back this season, which would put the WR room in good shape. That could then give the 49ers a reason to acquire a pass-catching tight end.

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George Kittle is obviously great, but Jake Tonges is out for the season, and the 49ers could use some extra depth at the position, especially if it's in the form of a good pass-catching option.

Someone like Dallas Goedert of the Philadelphia Eagles or David Njoku of the Los Angeles Chargers could make a lot of sense.

Those kinds of players would give Brock Purdy another quality pass-catcher to target, while also improving the TE position overall.

Trading for a tight end would be a creative way for the 49ers to improve the offense. There aren't a lot of great options out there, but this report from Schefter and Rapoport indicates this potential trade is very much in play for the 49ers.

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