The San Francisco 49ers aren’t letting their franchise tight end go anywhere.
George Kittle inked a deal to become the highest-paid tight end in NFL history — and one of the 49ers’ biggest long-term investments. Niners general manager John Lynch opened up about the decision to pay Kittle and what he means to the organization.
George Kittle Becomes NFL’s Highest-Paid Tight End With Massive $76.4M Deal
Kittle’s contract extension will pay him $76.4 million and keep him in the Bay Area through the 2029 season.
The new deal includes $40 million in total guarantees and a $35 million signing bonus, showing just how much the 49ers value him.
The #49ers and star TE George Kittle have agreed to terms on a big new contract extension that makes him the NFL’s highest-paid TE. 4 years, $76.4M with $40M guaranteed.
A big-time priority in SF. Brock Purdy up next? pic.twitter.com/tplz4yvrM6
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 29, 2025
Drafted by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft (No. 146 overall), Kittle has exceeded expectations every step of the way.
His athleticism, physicality, and versatility have made him a unique threat — one who can catch passes, pick up yards after the catch, and dominate as a blocker in the run game.
In eight seasons, he’s totaled more than 7,300 receiving yards and 45 touchdowns, along with six Pro Bowl nods and five All-Pro selections.
“In 2017, our first year with the 49ers, we selected a skinny tight end from Iowa whom we were really excited about,” 49ers GM John Lynch said in a statement.
“We had high hopes, but no one knew that he would become the player that he is today.”
Kittle’s dominance continued during the 2024 season, as he recorded 78 catches for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns. He was named the recipient of the 49ers’ Bill Walsh Award, which honors the team’s Most Valuable Player as voted on by the coaches.
In addition to his on-field contributions, Kittle’s energy, leadership, and intensity help shape the team’s identity. His impact goes far beyond football, as he makes his presence felt in the community as well.
“He is an outstanding representation for the 49ers on the field and is an outstanding representative for the organization off the field with his investment in the local and military communities,” Lynch added.
Kittle recently earned the NFL’s Salute to Service Award for his work with military nonprofits. He has donated more than $250,000, launched a mental health platform for veterans, and created a podcast to share the stories of service members. His commitment is personal and powerful.
What’s Next for the 49ers?
With Kittle now locked in, the spotlight shifts to quarterback Brock Purdy.
The 24-year-old is heading into the final year of his rookie deal, and the 49ers have been negotiating with Purdy’s camp as they try to figure out his new deal.
Many analysts expect Purdy to ask for north of $50 million per year, as that is the going rate for quarterbacks these days.
It seems likely that the 49ers will ink Purdy to a long-term deal next, as Lynch and Co. seem determined to keep the team’s core intact and make another Super Bowl run.
“We’re building for the long haul,” Lynch said. “George is a huge part of that.”