George Kittle landed another 49ers extension this offseason, and he is now tied to the team through 2029. The All-Pro tight end did not enjoy an entirely smooth process during negotiations, but he is satisfied to be in position to finish his career in San Francisco. 
When reflecting on his pact – a four-year, $76.4MM deal – Kittle informed ESPN’s Nick Wagoner it would be “fair to say” team and player dealt with an initial dispute over his value. The 31-year-old’s previous pact carried an average annual value of $15MM, but his new one checks in at $19.1MM in compensation per year. That means he is once again the league’s top earner amongst tight ends.
Amidst uncertainty over his future, Kittle drew trade interest from at least one team just before April’s draft. An offer of a second-round pick was rejected, and shortly after the draft concluded the extension was in place. As a result, Kittle is set to remain a focal point on offense in 2025 and beyond.
“It’s somewhere that I want to be for as long as I possibly can be because I go to work every single morning and I look up and I’m walking into Levi’s Stadium as my office,” the six-time Pro Bowler said. “I am just so beyond lucky and I am so happy to be able to be here for longer.”
Kittle has spent his entire career with the 49ers, and when healthy he has been a critical member of the team’s offense. The Iowa product has topped 1,000 yards four times in eight seasons; his 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns from 2024 were the second-highest total of his career. Remaining available should allow Kittle to continue producing as one of the league’s best at his position for years to come.
As the 49ers look to bounce back from last season’s underwhelming campaign, they will do so without Deebo Samuel at the receiver spot. Brandon Aiyuk is a strong candidate to miss the first four games of the season, so especially early on in the campaign Kittle’s level of play will be key. If he manages to remain productive during that period and beyond, more deep postseason runs could be in store over the length of his latest contract.
Big loads of money
Levis stadium. I’m not sure Will accomplished enough for naming rights but good for him.