Niners struggling to lock down TE George Kittle
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.
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.â€
NFL Game Lines
The @49ers and @gkittle46 remain far apart on a contract extension… and Kittle's agent says a 'tight-end deal' is a non-starter. @nflnetwork @NFLTotalAccess pic.twitter.com/pAOqDbu5KL
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) May 29, 2020
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.
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.