Tight end George Kittle's well-earned, much-anticipated contract extension is coming, reportedly as early as Friday, though he's not confirming so.
The 49ers will announce a six-year, $94.8 million pact Friday with the All-Pro tight end, Sports Illustrated's Grant Cohn reported Wednesday, adding that half of that money would be guaranteed.
Kittle's reaction on Twitter: "Y'all believe everything you read on the internet huh"
Kittle's agent, Jack Bechta, did not immediately return messages seeking comment. The 49ers, as standard practice, do not comment on contract matters, a team spokesman said.
No agreement has been reached but "healthier progress" has been made in this offseason's negotiations, NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco reported.
Cohn cited "a well-placed source," and began his report by noting, "Take this for what it's worth." It would worth a lot to Kittle, who reportedly would land a $25 million signing bonus but only eat up $10 million of the 49ers' salary cap space in a tight-stringed 2021.
Kittle, entering his fourth season, figured to reset the tight end mark, and his $15.8 million annual mark indeed would shatter that considering the highest paid tight end is Los Angeles Chargers' Hunter Henry at $10.6 million.
Kittle reported to training camp on time two weeks ago and has been participating in their on-field workouts. The first team practices are this weekend before Monday's first session in pads.
Kittle is entering the final year of his rookie contract with a $2.1 million in salary this coming season. He tallied more receiving yards in NFL history by a tight end through three seasons, and he's served the past two as a team captain for the 49ers, last season's Super Bowl runner-up.
