The San Francisco 49ers appear to be doing their homework on potential backups for All-Pro tight end George Kittle. The team was reportedly looking into Austin Hooper, who eventually signed with the Cleveland Browns.

The 49ers recently interviewed Hunter Bryant of Washington and spoke with several tight ends in this year's draft class while at the East-West Shrine Game in January.

San Francisco has also reportedly reached out to the agent of former Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic.

Barrows briefly mentioned the interest in Reed during a Monday interview on KNBR.


The 29-year-old Reed has spent his entire seven-year career in Washington with the team that made him a third-round selection out of Florida in 2013.

Reed has dealt with concussion issues throughout his career, including last year. He did not play in a game during the 2019 season.

The tight end was named to the Pro Bowl in 2016, a year after his best statistical season (2015) when he hauled in 87 catches for 952 yards with 11 touchdowns.

Washington released Reed in February, clearing $8.5 million from their salary cap. He has caught 329 passes for 3,371 yards with 24 touchdowns through his six NFL seasons, not including 2019.

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