SANTA CLARA — Vance McDonald’s trade Tuesday to the Pittsburgh Steelers signals this about the 49ers offense: it’s ready to rely more on rookie tight end George Kittle and versatile fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
It also echoes this year’s theme: Out with the old regime’s players, in with the new.
McDonald’s days were numbered once the 49ers brass confirmed in April he was the subject of draft-night trade talks.