The San Francisco 49ers began the process of clearing out their log-jam at tight end on Tuesday. Shortly after Matt Maiocco suggested teams were interested in Asante Cleveland and Derek Carrier, a trade went down. The 49ers traded Cleveland to the New England Patriots for offensive lineman Jordan Devey. Matt Maiocco had the 49ers side of the trade first, and Adam Schefter is the source on Devey heading back.
Cleveland joined the 49ers last year as an undrafted free agent, and earned a practice squad spot out of training camp. He bounced back and forth between the practice squad and active roster as injuries decimated the tight end depth chart. He was reportedly looking solid in camp, but his roster chances were slim, at best.
Devey entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He is listed as a tackle, but he played four games at right guard and two at left guard in 2014. Devey graded out poorly at PFF, and would seemingly be a camp body for now. Maybe he surprises us, or maybe the 49ers have other concerns at guard, but he will join the team shortly once the deal is formalized.
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Here is a quick tweet from our Patriots blogger:
@NinersNation Hey, if you're looking for insight on your new offensive lineman just ask https://t.co/6obFMtGwJ8
— Rich Hill (@PP_Rich_Hill) August 18, 2015