George Kittle a big reason why PFF believes 49ers can return to the Super Bowl

George Kittle is special, and he will receive a special contract at some point, making the All-Pro the highest-paid tight end in the NFL.

Kittle's San Francisco 49ers suffered a devastating defeat in Super Bowl LIV, and look to kick off a "Legendary Revenge Tour" in September as the team fights to return to the big game. Pro Football Focus' George Chahrouri believes the tight end will be a big part of that uphill battle and isn't doubting the team's ability to accomplish its goal.

"As hard as it is to make it back to the ultimate stage, the 49ers remain as talented as any team in the NFL," Chahrouri says, "which is why PFF's 2020 season simulations had them making another February trip to Florida 17 percent of the time — the second-most often of any NFC team."

Chahrouri goes on to state why he believes Kittle's uniqueness bodes well for the 49ers' 2020 campaign, and why it will probably lead to an unprecedented contract for a tight end. His 95.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus last season was the highest ever by a tight end during the analytics site's existence.

"Kittle is just different," Chahrouri explains. "His average target was only six yards downfield — the shortest of any wide receiver or tight end with at least 100 targets. But he made up for it by breaking 20 tackles and averaging over seven yards after the catch, both of which pace the NFL.

"Despite having so many fewer opportunities to go downfield than most wide receivers, Kittle's PFF wins above replacement, which measures value across position, would have ranked 20th among wideouts. Not bad for a fifth-round tight end."

Contract talks between the 49ers and Kittle's agent have reportedly stalled, with the two sides said to be far apart in discussions. The tight end's uniqueness, paired with an abnormal offseason and the uncertainty of future salary cap numbers, has seemingly made the contract negotiations more challenging.

Added Chahrouri: "Kittle will be rewriting what a tight end contract will look like, and his continued dominance will be the key to getting the 49ers back to the promised land."

H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find.

Mentioned in this article: George Kittle