Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Friday that star tight end George Kittle was back in the San Francisco 49ers’ team facility last Friday amid reports of ongoing contract negotiations.
“He was here today. Hung out a little bit and worked out with the team, so it was cool,” Shanahan said, according to The Mercury News’ Cam Inman.
Kittle was notably absent from the start of the Niners’ voluntary offseason program earlier this week, which has led to speculation about a possible contract dispute as he enters the final season of a five-year, $75-million extension signed in 2020.
However, The two-time first-team All-Pro denied his absence had anything to do with his contract.
San Francisco and Kittle reportedly remain far apart in extension talks. Kittle is set to carry a cap hit of $22 million this season, according to Over the Cap.
The Niners are also currently negotiating a new deal for quarterback Brock Purdy, who’s set to play out the final year of his rookie contract in 2025. Star linebacker Fred Warner is also seeking an extension despite having two more years on his deal, so the 49ers for sure have their hands full.
Kittle continues to be productive, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. The 31-year-old is among several holdovers on a Niners roster that has witnessed several veterans leave this offseason, including Deebo Samuel, Javon Hargrave, and Talanoa Hufanga.
George Kittle has become a huge heart and soul piece of the team since he was drafted there in 2017 out of Iowa. With the other loses on the roster they have had this season, the San Francisco 49ers will most likely be looking to bring him back, as they should. It will be interesting to see how long the process takes? And how the final numbers end up looking.
UPDATE: An hour after this article posted, George Kittle Signed a record breaking extension. This updated article will come out later today
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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