SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers have secured a promising future with one of their star players by extending George Kittle’s contract. The tight end has agreed to a four-year extension, making him the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history. On the popular podcast “Bussin’ With The Boys,” Kittle revealed that the deal is valued at $76.4 million over four years, with $35 million guaranteed upon signing.
This new agreement ensures that Kittle, a pivotal component of the 49ers’ strategy, remains with the team until the conclusion of the 2029 season. The team verified the contract, celebrating their sole remaining first draft pick under the leadership of coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch.
“In our inaugural year in 2017 with the 49ers, we took a chance on a rather slender tight end from Iowa,” Lynch reflected. “While our expectations were high, none could have foreseen the player George would develop into. His passion for the sport, dedication to his teammates, and the fans is truly remarkable. As a representative on and off the field, especially with his community and military engagements, he personifies excellence. George takes immense pride in his role and continues to work diligently to maintain his status as one of the league’s elite tight ends.”
At 31, Kittle was on the brink of completing his previous five-year, $75 million contract, which he had inked in 2020. His initial absence from the team’s voluntary offseason activities had raised eyebrows but his subsequent arrival fueled speculation of an impending deal.
The new contract grants Kittle an average annual income of $19.1 million, slightly eclipsing the previous record set by Trey McBride with a deal averaging $19 million earlier this offseason. Furthermore, the $35 million guaranteed sum distinguishes Kittle’s contract as the most substantial payout for a tight end at signing.
While the 49ers have faced prolonged negotiations with players such as Deebo Samuel, Nick Bosa, Brandon Aiyuk, and Trent Williams in the past, leading to postponed training camp appearances, they concluded Kittle’s negotiations swiftly. Their focus now transitions to quarterback Brock Purdy, as talks continue for an extension likely exceeding $50 million per year.
Kittle’s contributions to the team are undeniable, with a reputation as one of the league’s best. Known for his prowess in receiving, blocking, and executing explosive plays post-catch, Kittle consistently delivers standout performances. Across eight seasons, he has been named to either the first or second-team All-Pro five times and attended six Pro Bowls. His accomplishment of four seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards ties him for the second-highest among tight ends, trailing only Travis Kelce of Kansas City.
Kittle’s impressive previous season added to his legacy with 78 catches, totaling 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns, earning him a second-team All-Pro accolade. Since his initial selection in the fifth round of the 2017 draft, Kittle has amassed 538 receptions for 7,380 yards and 45 touchdowns. This performance ranks him as the second-highest in yardage for tight ends throughout the first eight seasons of play.