San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has once again reset the market at his position this offseason, signing a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension that makes him the highest-paid tight end in NFL History. With an average annual salary of $19.1 million, Kittle leapfrogged Arizona Cardinals’ Trey McBride ($19 million).
These new contracts have reshaped the tight end market, but Kittle believes this is just the beginning. If his vision comes to fruition, his record-setting deal may soon be considered a bargain.
49ers Tight End George Kittle Says Position is Underpaid
Although Kittle currently holds the title of the highest-paid tight end in NFL history, he hopes he isn’t at the top for long. He hopes his fellow tight ends continue to raise that number every season.
“The only way for the tight end market to continue to grow is if everybody’s getting paid,” Kittle told The Dan Patrick Show on Monday. “That’s the only way to do it. You can’t just have one guy do it, and then it just sits for four years because then you’re stuck, and it’s stagnant, and no one’s getting paid.”
A co-founder of Tight End University, Kittle genuinely cares about his fellow tight ends.
“When Tight End U started, I think the top of the market was 15 (million dollars), and now we’re almost at 20,” Kittle said. “So we’re continually growing it. As a tight end and as a position who does everything, yeah, I think we should be making more money, but we’re working on it.”
Kittle Rewarded for Years of Excellence
Since being drafted 146th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, Kittle has been a game-changer for the 49ers, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier tight ends. His ability to dominate both as a receiver and a blocker makes him invaluable to head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system.
Despite entering his age-32 season, Kittle remains one of the most dominant tight ends in the league. Along with excelling as an elite in-line blocker, Kittle recorded 78 receptions, 1,106 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns in 2024.
“I will be back here with a vengeance”
George Kittle Tonight:
2 catches for 4 yards pic.twitter.com/PlalKd8t3i
— Wh88f (@KWreeto) February 12, 2024
With Deebo Samuel traded to the Washington Commanders and Brandon Aiyuk a possible candidate to begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, Kittle may be called upon even more this upcoming season.
The 49ers have undergone significant roster changes this offseason, parting ways with 17 players, including safety Talanoa Hufanga, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, defensive end Javon Hargrave, guard Aaron Banks, and backup running back Jordan Mason.
Despite the changes, the 49ers’ locker room remains in excellent condition after rewarding their heart and soul with a record-breaking pay raise. Most would agree that Kittle is worth every penny.