49ers trade TE Vance McDonald to the Steelers

49ers trading TE Vance McDonald and a fifth-round pick to the Steelers for a fourth-round pick, per sources. Steelers upgrade TE.

Related players: Jesse James, George Kittle

Fantasy Impact: 

The addition of McDonald muddles the tight end situation in Pittsburgh. Jesse James is expected to start, but it's likely that the more athletic McDonald eats into his workload. McDonald certainly has more long-term upside as a fantasy producer, but owners shouldn't expect big (TE2) numbers right away as he will need to settle in, learn the offense and build a rapport with Ben Roethlisberger. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, the trade should open up starter-type snaps for rookie George Kittle, who is a freak of an athlete at the position, even if he's a bit light (20 lbs lighter than McDonald) for a tight end. Kittle can be taken in the final rounds as an upside TE2.

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