While much of the focus has been on quarterback Brock Purdy's upcoming pay raise, it's easy to overlook that a contract extension for tight end George Kittle is also on the horizon for the San Francisco 49ers. The team has spent this offseason reshaping its future financial outlook in preparation for these major contracts for its star players.
Kittle is set to count $22 million against the salary cap in 2025, making him the second-highest cap hit on the team, behind only linebacker Fred Warner's $29.2 million. However, the 49ers could reduce Kittle's financial impact with a contract extension, pushing some of that money down the road.
Last month, Kittle shared that he was still waiting on the 49ers, but admitted "there's been talking."
"I think we're mildly on the same page," he added.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) contributor Bradley Locker believes Kittle is on track to reset the tight end market, which Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs currently leads.
"Even at 31, Kittle remains arguably the NFL's best tight end," Locker wrote. "He paced qualified tight ends in both PFF overall grade (92.1) and PFF receiving grade (92.4) while dropping a minuscule two passes and securing 70.6% of contested catches in 2024. Now with seven straight seasons of an 84.7-plus PFF overall grade under his belt, Kittle has just one year left on his contract and is poised to surpass Travis Kelce's $17.125 [million] average annual value."
It's clear Kittle wants to remain with the 49ers just as much as the team wants to keep one of their longest-tenured players around.
"I want to be a Niner for my entire career," Kittle said in January. "I love wearing the red and gold. And whatever the front office wants to do, I'm all ears."
Kittle surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the fourth time in his career last season, catching 78 passes for a team-leading 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns. Over the past three seasons, he has scored 25 touchdowns.
Last month, general manager John Lynch stated, "We want George to retire a Niner. He's one of those guys. He's a Niner through and through. And so, we want that to become a reality."
