Forty San Francisco 49ers players are slated to hit free agency in March. Fans are probably concerned about that massive number considering the toll injuries have taken on the roster this season.
Tight end George Kittle doesn't seem too concerned. He also doesn't feel the need to campaign to those playing on the final year of their contracts to return. Kittle loves playing for the 49ers and thinks highly of the organization, and feels his teammates see the benefits of playing for Kyle Shanahan's squad.
"I think the free agent guys -- like I said, I'm just trying to play football this Saturday, and I try not to look too much to the future," Kittle told reporters on Thursday. "I think guys understand that, and there definitely have been conversations, but I think the guys that are here understand the type of organization that we have from the top down, the care and the love everyone has for each other.
"It's a top-notch organization. That's why I signed an extra five-year deal to stay here; for a reason. It's the people in the building. I think everybody here understands that."
It sounds like Kittle sees this season as an abnormality. It was a campaign turned upside down by an unprecedented amount of injuries. Kittle feels that one injury, in particular, was especially impactful.
"Yeah, we didn't have the year we wanted to have, but we've got a lot of pieces coming back," Kittle said. "One of my favorite things that I get to say is I get Nick Bosa next year. That's just really fun for me to say because he's one of my favorite football players ever to watch. I know he's excited to get back, and I'm just going to put my chips in that when Nick Bosa's healthy, we're going to be just fine."
The loss of Bosa significantly impacted the 49ers defense's ability to generate an impactful pass rush this season. Last year's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year suffered a torn ACL during Week 2 and has been rehabbing hard in Southern California with the goal of a 2021 return.
It sounds like Kittle believes his return will provide enough of a boost to ensure the 49ers are competitive again.
"Bosa's doing great," Kittle added. "I talk to him every once in a while, a little bit today. I know he's excited. He's living in L.A. with his brother (Joey Bosa), which is pretty fun. I know he's thoroughly enjoying that.
"But I know all he's excited to do is just get back on the football field, and like I said, he's one of my favorite football players I've ever seen play, so I'm pretty excited for that as well."
Added Kittle regarding the impact of losing Bosa: "He's a superstar. He really is. He was a Pro Bowler in his first year. In my opinion, should have been All-Pro. A Defensive Rookie of the Year. Yeah, he's a hell of a football player. It's hard to replace guys like that. He's one of a kind."