In what was a disappointing 2024 season for the San Francisco 49ers, star tight end George Kittle managed to put together his fourth career 1,000-yard campaign and recorded the second-most receiving touchdowns of his career (eight).
The six-time Pro Bowler was recently rewarded for his production with a lucrative contract extension that ties him to the team through the 2029 season.
George Kittle and His Finances
Entering his ninth season in the National Football League, Kittle can take a breath thanks to his new contract. Despite lasting until the 146th selection of the 2017 NFL Draft, Kittle’s blend of sharp route running and rumbling style has endeared him to both his team and the fanbase.
Given his body of work, Kittle’s name is always bandied about when the best tight ends in the sport are discussed. His 530 career catches, 7,380 yards and 45 touchdowns rank him third, third, and eighth, respectively, on the team’s all-time list. Considering the 49ers boast Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens as former players, those numbers carry even more meaning.
Despite testing well at the NFL Combine (4.52 in the 40), Kittle wasn’t particularly lauded as a promising prospect in the pre-draft process. For example, in this profile, NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein describe the former Hawkeye in this manner:
“H-back type who lacks the desired size for in-line blocking but certainly has the technique and willingness to do it. He has good hands and flashes an ability to challenge as a pass catcher on all three levels. Kittle has the athleticism and blocking ability to become an effective move tight end if paired in the right system.”
The six-time Pro Bowl augments his income by enjoying endorsements from Zenni, Nike, Levi’s and Bud Light.
Kittle’s Current Salary
On Tuesday, Kittle inked a four-year, $76.4 million deal to stay in San Francisco, a contract that carried a signing bonus of $18.145 million dollars. According to Pro Football Talk, the five-time All-Pro will have a fully guaranteed base salary of $1.255 million in 2025.
Additionally, Kittle will take home an extra $500,000 weekly bonus for every game he’s active for during the 2025 season. Over the course of his contract, Kittle’s base salaries will progressively increase, topping out at $21.55 million in 2029, with the team having the option of converting $19.8 million of that figure into a signing bonus.
Salary History
Even before signing his new extension, Kittle already claimed NFL career earnings of $62.5 million. As a rookie in 2017, he took home $763,287. Now, all he needs to do is wait three seasons, and he’ll see that salary multiplied nearly thirty-fold.
