49ers ink George Kittle to four-year, $76.4 million extension with $40 million guaranteed

The questions regarding George Kittle’s future with the 49ers can be put to bed. On Tuesday, the 31-year old inked a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension that includes $40 million guaranteed with San Francisco, per Bussin’ With The Boys.

Throughout his career, Kittle has been all the 49ers could’ve bargained for and more. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Iowa, the No. 146 overall pick has outplayed his draft slot, and that’s selling it short. He’s certainly one of the best Day 3 picks to ever grace the league.

In his career, Kittle has amassed 113 games played, catching 538 passes for 7,380 receiving yards and 45 touchdowns. He’s surpassed the 1,000-yard-mark four times in eight seasons, as well. More than impressive for a tight end.

Additionally, he’s played a huge role in San Francisco’s playoff runs over the past couple of seasons. Kittle’s played in two Super Bowls, and while the 49ers have yet to win one during his time in the league, they’ve come close. Perhaps that Lombardi will be coming back to San Francisco during the course of his new extension.

Moreover, Kittle has also been named an First-Team All-Pro twice (2019, 2023), Second-Team All-Pro three times (2018, 2022, 2024) and a Pro Bowler six times (2018, 2019, 2021–2024). There’s bound to be more success in his future, as well.

Now that Kittle’s extension is done, the attention will turn to the 49ers’ quarterback situation. Brock Purdy is due for a raise, and it seems to be coming sooner rather than later. According to Michael Silver of The Athletic, there’s been progress on a deal that will “likely” pay him north of $50 million annually. How much progress is the question.

Purdy is just 25 and plays the most important position in football. He’s been to a Super Bowl. Do the 49ers really want to let a young, productive quarterback out the door? The counter argument, of course, is the lack of elite upside to Purdy’s game and perhaps a reliance on Kyle Shanahan‘s offense. But it does sound like the 49ers want him leading the franchise into the future.

“I think we’re going to get the deal done,” general manager John Lynch said last month. “That’s what I believe. We’ll just leave it at that.”

George Kittle would certainly love being able to celebrate his extension with Brock Purdy getting one of his own. One thing is for sure, the 49ers are keeping their core intact, and they believe they can get back to competing for Super Bowls in 2025 after a disappointing campaign in 2024.