Nick Wagoner Oct 28, 2026, 03:10 PM ET

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Nick Wagoner is an NFL reporter at ESPN. Nick has covered the San Francisco 49ers since 2016, having previously covered the St. Louis Rams for 12 years, including three years (2013 to 2015) at ESPN. In over a decade with the company, Nick has led ESPN's coverage of the Niners' 2019 and 2023 Super Bowl run, Colin Kaepernick's protest, the Rams making Michael Sam the first openly gay player drafted to the NFL, Sam's subsequent pursuit of a roster spot and the team's relocation and stadium saga.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Occasionally around this time of year, tight end George Kittle , fullback Kyle Juszczyk and offensive tackle Trent Williams will see San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch on his office patio overlooking the practice fields and begin chirping in his direction.

A few weeks ago, Kittle asked Lynch if he was trying to trade for Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack .…