49ers roster: 4 dark-horse trade candidates entering 2022 offseason

49ers dark-horse trade candidate No. 2: Tight end George Kittle

No, not kidding. Tight end George Kittle could be considered a dark-horse trade candidate.

Would it be a popular move? No. Would it be absolutely shocking? Yes.

Kittle is a massive leader in the locker room and a representative of the team to the public. He also does so much more than just catch passes and run for yards after the catch. Kittle’s blocking is arguably the best in the league at his position when lined up against a top receiving threat.

At the same time, though, Kittle does carry a notable injury history that’s forced him to miss 11 regular-season games the last two seasons. And despite making the Pro Bowl after 2021, Kittle also saw a notable decrease in production from his All-Pro 2019 campaign, catching 71 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns.

Over the course of the year, it was clear San Francisco’s offense funneled through wide receiver Deebo Samuel, no longer Kittle. And while the 49ers will want to surround Trey Lance with as many weapons as possible in 2022, the fact Kittle is scheduled to make over $16 million this year might convince the Niners to try and get as much of a return for him as possible to free up cap space.

Especially if another team is willing to dish up a hefty return.

As with any of these other candidates, it’s not likely that happens. But it can be part of the discussion.