The San Francisco 49ers are trying to work out a long-term contract extension with star tight end George Kittle. It’s reportedly not going well.
Michael Silver: George Kittle, 49ers ‘not close at all’ on contract talks
Speaking about Kittle live on NFL Network recently, NFL insider Michael Silver made it clear a contract is a ways off. He said the two sides are “not close at all” on any new deal. He also shared that George Kittle’s agent says he doesn’t care about the tight end market, saying, “I’m being paid to do a George Kittle deal.”
For the record, the Cleveland Browns signed Austin Hooper to the biggest tight end contract in the league this past offseason (not counting Hunter Henry’s franchise tag). On that deal, Hooper is averaging $10.5 million per year.
George Kittle would stand to make significantly more on a long-term contract
There is no doubt that Kittle is one of the most valuable players on the entire 49ers roster. He is arguably the best tight end in the NFL right now. Whether it’s blocking defensive ends into oblivion on running plays or stiff-arming defensive backs into the ground on passing plays, he’s an absolute beast.
Over the course of his first three seasons as a pro, the former fifth-round pick out of Iowa has become a nightmare for opposing defenses. Following a strong rookie season in 2017, Kittle has racked up 173 catches for 2,430 yards and 10 touchdowns the past two seasons — setting an NFL record along the way.
When it’s all said and done, we expect Kittle to shatter the market with a massive, record-breaking contract extension.