Looks like George Kittle is staying put after all.
The San Francisco 49ers announced last Tuesday that tight end George Kittle agreed to terms on a four-year extension.
Kittle’s new deal is worth $76.4 million and includes $40 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. His reported $19.1-million annual salary passes the $19 million earned by Arizona Cardinals star Trey McBride.
Kittle, who is now 31 years old, continues to prove that he’s among the best players at his position, especially in 2024. He led the Niners with 78 catches for 1,106 receiving yards and eight touchdowns last season.
The extension comes just days after Kittle showed up to the Niners’ facility to take part in the team’s voluntary workout, amid speculation he was holding out for a new deal. However, Kittle denied that his absence for the start of the offseason program had anything to do with contract negotiations.
He was set to enter the final year of a five-year, $75-million extension he signed in 2020, and was due to carry a $22-million cap hit in 2025.
Kittle is among just five tight ends to post four or more 1,000-yard seasons. The Iowa product has recorded 7,380 career yards on 538 receptions and 45 touchdowns over eight seasons with the Niners.
It’s good that San Francisco was able to keep him after the way this offseason had been going. The 49ers have seen the departure of several starters, including Deebo Samuel, Javon Hargrave, Jordan Mason, and Leonard Floyd.
The 49ers’ focus will now likely turn to negotiating an extension for quarterback Brock Purdy, followed by Fred Warner. The 2022 seventh-round pick is due to earn $5.3 million in base salary next season, according to Over the Cap. Standout linebacker Fred Warner is also eyeing a new deal despite having two years remaining on his contract.
Jaden Chandler-Parnell, or “JC” is a Sports & Sports Betting Analyst for Stare Down Sports. You can Follow him on X @Jaden95Chandler and on YouTube
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