George Kittle Rumors: 49ers, TE Making Progress on 'Lucrative' Record Contract

The San Francisco 49ers reportedly are "making progress" on a contract extension with All-Pro tight end George Kittle, per NFL Network's Michael Silver.  

Silver noted the potentially "lucrative" deal would make Kittle "by far" the NFL's highest-paid tight end. 

However, Kittle appeared to shoot down rumors of an agreement being announced on Friday:

The report Kittle responded to was from Sports Illustrated's Grant Cohn, who cited a source as saying the 49ers will announce a six-year, $94.8 million extension with the 26-year-old. 

Per NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco, there is "healthier progress" in talks between the two sides right now, but no agreement is in place. 

There has been some concern this offseason that the 49ers and Kittle were struggling to break through in their contract talks. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on July 29 they weren't "particularly close on anything."

Austin Hooper's four-year deal with the Cleveland Browns this offseason made him the highest-paid tight end by guaranteed money ($23 million).

Rob Gronkowski's six-year, $54 million extension originally signed in 2012 when he was with the New England Patriots remains the richest deal by total value for a tight end. 

Kittle has one season remaining on his rookie contract. The two-time Pro Bowler is scheduled to earn $2.133 million in 2020. He set an NFL tight end record with 1,377 yards during the 2018 season and led the 49ers with 1,053 yards to help them reach the Super Bowl last season.