Why Extending George Kittle Was the Correct Move for the 49ers

Earlier this week, All-Pro tight end George Kittle and the 49ers agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $76.4 million with $40 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid tight end in NFL history. The 31-year-old is coming off his fourth 1,000-yard season of his career, and over the past few seasons, there have been no signs of his production slowing down. In 2020, injuries were becoming a concern for his career trajectory after missing eight games. However, he has missed eight games in four seasons since.

This upcoming season marks his ninth year with the franchise. San Francisco knew they needed to retain him this offseason as he has been the focal point of their identity on offense over the course of his career. He embodies what it means to be a 49er while displaying his continuous greatness. Kittle, a six-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro selection, was a late-round success story for the 49ers. In the regime’s first draft, Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch followed their third-round pick of Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard with the selection of Kittle, who was Beathard’s teammate at Iowa. Beathard’s time in San Francisco was short-lived, but in the process, they found a third-day gem in Kittle.

Kittle’s contract extension represented much-needed continuity within the franchise this offseason. With the departures of key starters in free agency, the 49ers found their star tight end as one of their franchise cornerstones who needed to be kept. It was reported that several teams inquired about trading for Kittle before the 2025 NFL Draft and were willing to give up a second-round selection. The 49ers ultimately moved past those trade discussions and showed their satisfaction with their situation by paying Kittle a deserving contract.

San Francisco has now allocated their spending toward the tight end position twice this offseason with the free agent addition of Luke Farrell and the extension for Kittle. Kittle is asked to do many tasks in the 49ers’ offense. His all-around ability at the position gives him a viable case for being the league’s top tight end. Brandon Aiyuk will be sidelined for the beginning of the season, creating a bigger responsibility for Kittle in the receiving department. The Farrell signing could now indicate their motivation to allow Kittle to focus on becoming a main target in the passing game for Brock Purdy in 2025.