49ers TE George Kittle, who did not show up to volunatry OTAs, wants a record-setting deal. Does he deserve it? Of course
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle wants to become the highest paid tight end in the NFL. That would mean he needs to surpass the deal Trey McBride recently signed, which was for four years and $76 million. Russini said there is no trade imminent, but other teams are monitoring the situation between Kittle and the 49ers.
Russini believes the 49ers and Kittle not showing up to volunatry OTAs is contract-related. Her sources indicate that the 49ers and Kittle are ‘far apart’ in negotiations:
“San Francisco’s offers to Kittle have thus far been rebuffed, and the two sides remain apart as Kittle, who will be 32 in October, enters the final year of his deal.”
Kyle’s update, 9:22 a.m. PT: Kittle tweeted that Russini’s source is incorrect:
Your source is incorrect
— George Kittle (@gkittle46) April 23, 2025
General Manager John Lynch was asked on Tuesday if things are headed in the right direction and if he feels Kittle will attend OTAs. Here’s what he said:
“We’ll see on that. You know, these things are voluntary right now, but again, with that we’ve had good communication, good talks, and we’ll see where that goes.”
A whole lot of nothing there.
The 49ers have the money to pay Kittle, Fred Warner, and Brock Purdy. Cash isn’t an issue. Per Over the Cap, the 49ers have the fifth-most cap space at $38.5 million and are still fifth in effective cap space — which is what a team projects to have after signing at least 51 players and their projected rookie class to the roster — at $32.4 million.
The Niners are probably less interested in spending after last offseason, given how they are up to their nose in dead money. San Francisco currently has $80.9 million in dead money on the books for 2025, which is $13 million more than the second-place Seattle Seahawks. They are letting past mistakes impact future spending.
It’s why Davante Adams felt like he was disrespected, although Lynch tried to downplay that on Tuesday. Lynch said:
“I saw the quote and it said his agent had told him that, that wasn’t me. I’ve always had great deal of respect for Davante, that didn’t line up, he’s on a division rival. We’re going to have our work cut out covering him and playing against him. He’s a really good player. So, if there was any disrespect taken, you know, none was intended.”
As for Kittle, is it time for the 49ers to sell high on one of their best players? I wouldn’t. He’d be one of the few players that I’d do anything to work a deal out with and pay him top of the market money. Kittle has earned it, and despite his age, has shown no signs of slowing down.
What will the 49ers do? I’m sure entertain potential draft trades, drag this out into the summer, before ultimately paying Kittle.