The San Francisco 49ers and star tight end George Kittle had been working towards a contract extension all summer, and reports now indicate that a mega-deal has been reached.
Kittle and the Niners, according to multiple sources including the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, have agreed to a five-year, $75 million contract which is the largest in the league’s history for a tight end.
The deal includes an $18 million signing bonus as well as $40 million in guaranteed money.
It comes as no surprise that the defending NFC Champions were willing to offer such a large sum of money to Kittle considering his important status as one of the team’s offensive stalwarts. Since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 Draft, Kittle has developed into arguably the league’s best player at the position.
A two-time Pro Bowler and a first-team All-NFL selection this season, the 26-year-old TE is lauded both for his receiving ability as well as his fearsome and tenacious blocking. He was quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s favorite target last season, snagging 85 balls for 1,053 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Kittle’s new contract will keep him tied to San Francisco through the 2024 season. The team is expected to formally announce the agreement at some point over the coming days.
