49ers TE George Kittle calls out NFL insider over report on OTAs absence

George Kittle needs a new contract. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Wednesday that the San Francisco 49ers tight end wants to become the highest-paid player at his position.

Russini added that Kittle and the 49ers are “far apart” on a new deal. Kittle saw Russini’s report and called her out for reporting “incorrect” information.

“Your source is incorrect,” Kittle wrote on X.

Kittle, 31, did not show up to the first day of voluntary workouts on Tuesday. Though Russini said his absence was “contract related,” Kittle said otherwise. Kittle is one of three 49ers seeking a contract extension, the others being quarterback Brock Purdy and linebacker Fred Warner. Purdy showed up to day one of OTAs, as did Warner.

Purdy, just 25, seems to be in a good place as it relates to extension talks with the team. Warner, 28, is one of, if not the best linebacker in the league and has two more years remaining on his current deal.

George Kittle, 49ers engaged in extension talks

The situation is a bit different with Kittle. Now in his 30s, his five-year, $75 million deal is up after this season. That being said, he’s coming off one of the best seasons of his career. In 15 games, Kittle hauled in 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns. Kittle has a good rapport with Purdy and has been a great fit for Kyle Shanahan‘s offense. For what it’s worth, general manager John Lynch has publicly stated his desire to keep Kittle in San Francisco.

“We’ve already talked about it,” Lynch said last month. “We want George to retire a Niner. He’s one of those guys. He’s a Niner through and through. And so, we want that to become a reality. I think the only thing on that is timing, and that’s no different from what I’ve told George and his agent. So, [there are] some other things that we’re focused on, and George is certainly there. But I think that’s something we want to all see become a reality, including George.”

Lynch was then asked about Kittle again on Tuesday. He indicated talks were in a good spot.

“We’ll see on that,” Lynch said. “We’ve had good communication, good talks.”