Steelers acquire McDonald from 49ers to address TE need

The San Francisco 49ers have traded tight end Vance McDonald and a fifth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a fourth-round pick, the team announced Tuesday.

The Steelers have been searching for help at tight end since Heath Miller retired after the 2015 season. Jesse James started at tight end last season in Pittsburgh, but produced just 338 yards on 39 catches with three touchdowns.

McDonald signed a three-year, $19.65-million contract with the 49ers last December after putting up a career-high 391 yards on 24 catches with four touchdowns through 11 games in 2016. He led the 49ers in touchdown catches last season.

"We would like to thank Vance for his contributions to this organization on the field and in the community over the last four seasons," said 49ers general manager John Lynch. "Although I have only known Vance for a short time, I quickly learned that he and his wife, Kendi, have been tremendous representatives for the team in the community and their service to others is quite commendable. We wish the McDonald family all the best as they move on to a new opportunity in Pittsburgh."

For the 49ers, the move signals that rookie George Kittle is most likely to open the season as the starting tight end.