George Kittle, 49ers Reportedly 'Far Apart' in Contract Extension Talks

As he enters the final year of his contract, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle reportedly hasn't seen much progress toward an extension.

The Athletic's Michael Silver reported that Kittle and the 49ers "remain far apart in discussions about a new deal," making him "a long shot" to report for the start of the team's offseason program on Tuesday.

Kittle signed a five-year, $75 million contract extension with San Francisco in 2020 and is set to count for a $22 million cap hit during the 2025 campaign. General manager John Lynch told reporters earlier this offseason that the team wants Kittle to retire in a 49ers uniform.

"That's something we all want to see become a reality," Lynch said, though he acknowledged that the timing will be an issue due to the team's impending deals for other players.

San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy is believed to be next in line for a big-money contract extension, and Silver noted that there has been "some progress" toward a multiyear deal that would "likely pay him more than $50 million a year." Linebacker Fred Warner has two years remaining on the five-year, $95 million extension he signed in 2021, but Silver stated that he and the team "have yet to have any substantive talks about a possible extension."

Kittle is coming off his sixth career Pro Bowl season after he finished with 78 catches for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024. The 31-year-old remains one of the best tight ends in the NFL and provides Purdy with a reliable target in the passing attack.

Keeping Kittle happy could be key for the 49ers to return to playoff contention next season and beyond.