George Kittle Expected to Get Record-Breaking Contract Extension
By Michael Luciano
The San Francisco 49ers know the looming extension for tight end George Kittle needs to get done sooner rather than later, and their reported offer to him could be a record-breaker.
Per an NBC Sports report, Kittle is expected to make anywhere from $12.5 to $15 million in his new contract, which would make him the highest-paid tight end in the league.
George Kittle Expected to Receive a Contract Extension That Will Set the Tight End Market https://t.co/QpoeEbNwhb pic.twitter.com/TjL02tYL49
— NFL Draft Diamonds (@DraftDiamonds) May 24, 2020
Only four tight ends (Zach Ertz, Travis Kelce, Hunter Henry and Rob Gronkowski) will account for a cap hit north of $10 million this year, with Ertz's $12.4 million the current number to beat.
A former fifth-round pick put of Iowa, Kittle has quickly become and elite blocker and receiver for Kyle Shanahan. The All-Pro is consistently graded as one of the best run blockers in the league, and he set records for receiving yards by a tight end in a single season with 1,377 yards as well as yards by a tight end in their first three seasons with 2,945.
Yeah, he deserves a nice chunk of change in his new deal.
George Kittle has the most receiving yards by a TE in their 1st 3 seasons (2,945) pic.twitter.com/0pg8iOTIAd
— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) May 17, 2020
Kittle is integral to the 49ers offense, as he has proven to be their best offensive player by a wide margin. John Lynch needs to give Kittle a blank check when it comes time to get a new deal done.