49ers Fans Should Be Worried About Silence Regarding George Kittle Contract Extension Talks
By Scott Rogust
The San Francisco 49ers drastically improved their team this offseason as they look to book another trip to the Super Bowl in 2020. However, they have one glaring objective they need to accomplish: lock in stud tight end George Kittle long term.
After Super Bowl LIV, reports indicated that the team's priority in the offseason was finalize a contract extension with Kittle. All we've heard since that update is crickets, which should have 49ers fans concerned.
The #49ers are likely saving some cap space for a new deal for George Kittle this offseason. Donte Whitner believes (and I agree) he should not step on the field again without a long-term contract.https://t.co/daWlDHZZWd
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) April 8, 2020
Kittle turned into the steal of the 2017 NFL Draft. He went from a fifth-round pick into a top-tier tight end, recording over 80 receptions and 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. Surely, he should get paid, right? Right?
The tight end market has been set after Austin Hooper signed a four-year, $42 million contract with the Cleveland Browns. Don't get us wrong, Hooper is a good player, but he's no George Kittle.
Making room for George Kittle's monster contract extension https://t.co/k4ahKBTSDu
— Beastradamus (@BeastFBall) April 25, 2020
Considering Kittle's set to hit the open market at the end of the upcoming season, he'd be wise to hold out until both sides can come to an agreement on a lucrative deal. Why would he risk getting injured on the practice field or during a regular season game and potentially lose out on millions of dollars?
This shouldn't be that hard of a decision for the 49ers. They freed up cap space thanks to the retirement of Joe Staley and the trade of Marquise Goodwin. There's more than enough money to fork over to Kittle to avoid any contract drama.
Just get it done already.