On Sunday, tight end Vernon Davis said that a trade sending him away from the 49ers was a possibility.
It has reportedly become a reality on Monday. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Davis has been traded to the Broncos. The Broncos will send sixth-round picks in 2016 and 2017 to the 49ers, who will package a 2016 seventh-round pick to Denver.
Davis has 18 catches for 194 yards in six games this season, his second straight year of diminished production after many years as a key part of the team’s offense. The deal comes shortly after Davis was reportedly critical of quarterback Colin Kaepernick in a team meeting, which led to an exchange with left tackle Joe Staley that Davis said he didn’t recall when asked about it.
Owen Daniels has 17 catches to lead Broncos tight ends this year. Julius Thomas, who was a big part of the offense the last two years, left for Jacksonville as a free agent this offseason. The team likely hopes Davis, who is in the final year of his contract, can mimic his production in the middle of the field.
UPDATE 5:18 p.m. ET: The Broncos confirmed the deal in a tweet from General Manager John Elway. “We’ve agreed to trade for two-time Pro Bowl TE Vernon Davis from SF. He’ll be a valuable addition to our team with his experience and leadership.”