The San Francisco 49ers have officially made George Kittle the highest-paid tight end in NFL history, signing him to a four-year contract extension worth up to $76.4 million on April 29, 2025. With an average annual value (AAV) of $19.1 million, Kittle's deal surpasses the previous record held by Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, who recently signed for $19 million per year. The contract also includes a staggering $40 million in guarantees, with $35 million guaranteed at signing.
Kittle, who has been a cornerstone of the 49ers' offense since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, expressed his excitement during an appearance on the "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast. "Pretty happy, why not?" Kittle said as he signed his contract. "Third contract, same football team, great foundation, great organization. Pinch myself right now. Happy to be here." His enthusiasm reflects not only his commitment to the team but also his recognition of the significance of this new deal.
In the 2024 season, Kittle demonstrated his elite talent by posting 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns, making him one of only five tight ends in NFL history to achieve four or more 1,000-yard receiving seasons. The others include legends like Tony Gonzalez, Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce, and Jason Witten. Kittle's consistent performance and ability to impact games have made him an invaluable asset for San Francisco.
General manager John Lynch has long expressed a desire for Kittle to retire as a 49er. "We want George to retire a Niner," Lynch stated during the NFL Scouting Combine in February. He further emphasized Kittle's importance to the franchise, recalling the team's excitement in selecting him in 2017. "In 2017, our first year with the 49ers, we selected a skinny tight end from Iowa whom we were really excited about. We had high hopes, but no one knew that he would become the player that he is today," Lynch said.
Kittle's previous contract, signed in 2020, averaged $15 million per season, highlighting the significant leap in value he has achieved with this new deal. The 49ers’ commitment to Kittle is a testament to his hard work and dedication, which has not only made him a fan favorite but also a respected leader in the locker room.
As Kittle's contract extension solidifies his future with the team, it also sets the stage for the 49ers to focus on extending quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy, who is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, is now the clear priority for the franchise. With Kittle locked in, San Francisco can better manage its salary cap and financial resources moving forward.
"That's Brock," Lynch remarked, referring to Purdy's professionalism as he reported to the first phase of the 49ers’ offseason training activities despite not having a new contract. "He's a pro. Brock's very clear-minded and not going to let other people influence what he should be doing. And that's one thing everybody I think respects about Brock. He's done a lot for this organization and we're grateful for him and looking forward to having him as our quarterback for a long time."
The path to a Purdy extension appears clearer than ever, especially as he has shown eagerness to negotiate a deal. The 49ers are keen to avoid the franchise tag for their young quarterback, who has quickly become a vital piece of the team's offensive puzzle.
Kittle's new deal is not only a win for him personally but also a strategic move for the 49ers as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the league. The franchise has a history of investing heavily in its star players, and Kittle's contract marks the 10th time since Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan took over in 2017 that the 49ers have given out positional-record money to a player, the most of any team in the NFL during that period.
As the 49ers navigate the complexities of roster management and salary cap considerations, Kittle's extension provides them with clarity and stability. With Kittle’s contract now in place, the team can turn its attention to securing Purdy’s future, as well as considering potential extensions for other key players like receiver Jauan Jennings and offensive lineman Colton McKivitz, whose contracts will also expire after the 2025 season.
Kittle’s remarkable journey from a fifth-round draft pick to the highest-paid tight end in NFL history is a testament to his hard work, talent, and the faith the 49ers have placed in him. He has carved out a legacy in San Francisco, becoming the franchise's all-time leader in receiving yards for tight ends and holding the record for the three highest single-game totals in 49ers history for his position.
As Kittle continues to perform at an elite level, he remains a crucial part of the 49ers’ plans to compete for championships in the coming years. With his new contract ensuring his presence through the 2029 season, fans can look forward to many more exciting moments from one of the league's finest tight ends. The 49ers are now poised to build around their core players, keeping their Super Bowl window open while solidifying their roster for the future.
