The 49ers’ biggest offseason hurdle is finally cleared. All-Pro tight end George Kittle is set to sign a five-year deal worth $75 million, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Silver of NFL Network.
Based on annual salary, Kittle will set an NFL record for a tight end contract at $15 million per year. The previous average annual value for a tight end on a multi-year deal was $10.5 million, set by Cleveland’s Austin Hooper this offseason.
Kittle, 26, was due to play the 2020 season on the final year of his rookie deal after joining the club as a fifth-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft. He was set to make $2.2 million prior to his extension. He’ll now earn well north of that.
There were a couple of things delaying the deal, including the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the dollar figure an elite blocking and receiving tight end like Kittle is worth. Multiple reports over the offseason indicated the two sides were far apart on a contract, but a mutual interest in getting a long-term deal to keep Kittle with San Francisco led them to come to an agreement.
Kittle has been the 49ers’ leading receiver the last two seasons, including 1,377 in 2018 — an NFL record for a tight end. His 2,945 yards are the most ever by a tight end through three seasons.
