The San Francisco 49ers have spent much of the offseason trimming the fat and cleaning house, focusing on becoming much younger, more athletic, and, most importantly, durable heading into the 2025-26 season. It's been a spring that's seen plenty of aging veterans packing their bags and heading out of Santa Clara, and many of those roster spots have yet to be filled.
The 49ers' general manager, John Lynch, and head coach, Kyle Shanahan, will look toward the draft to fill out their roster as budgetary concerns have been a primary focus for the first time in a long time surrounding the 49ers. Over the past few years, Lynch and the 49ers have spent nearly at a drunken sailor rate in an attempt to bolster a roster that constantly sniffed what has become a much elusive sixth Super Bowl title. With franchise quarterback Brock Purdy about to sign a blockbuster contract extension expected to exceed $50 million annually, free-agent spending appears to be an afterthought.
Earlier this offseason, the 49ers traded away star pass-catcher Deebo Samuel at his request. The 49ers were rumoured to be shopping Brandon Aiyuk ahead of April 1st to avoid paying him a roster bonus worth just over $22 million. After the deadline had passed, San Francisco appeared to be content with keeping its top receiver.
The list of players let go by the 49ers this offseason is significant, headlined by Samuel, Javon Hargrave, Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, Charvarius Ward, Aaron Banks, and Leonard Floyd. Following last season, veteran tight end George Kittle mentioned that he wanted to finish his career as a 49er. Is that still the case after seeing what has unfolded this offseason? Cue the Will Smith entering an empty room meme.
Are John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan willing to spend what it would take to keep 49ers tight end George Kittle in the Bay Area?
Kittle, 31, currently costs the 49ers $15 million in real money but carries a cap hit of $22 million as he enters the final year of his current deal. The veteran tight end turns 32 in October, which begs the question: are his days in San Francisco numbered? The 49ers are rebuilding on the fly and will be somewhat financially restrained once Purdy's new deal is completed. It's difficult to stomach, but life without Kittle might become a reality.
Recently, Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals signed a massive four-year contract extension worth $76 million. If McBride earns $19 million annually, it's safe to say Kittle and his representation will be seeking $20 million-plus. Will the 49ers be willing to dish out that much cash to an aging tight end with many hard miles on his body? The alternative is drafting his replacement, filling the position on a rookie deal for the next four or five years. In turn, allocating the money Kittle would command elsewhere, hopefully on the defensive side of the football, or perhaps the offensive line, ensuring they protect their investment at quarterback.
If that's the plan, San Francisco would be wise to trade Kittle before the draft if they don't expect to extend him before the season starts. I'm hoping they can get a package of picks for him in return. I wouldn't expect a first-round pick, but multiple picks, including a second-rounder, wouldn't be out of the question. Don't mix words. I think Kittle is a fantastic player, and I'd love to see him finish his career as a 49er. I said the same thing about Jerry Rice, but business is business. The 49ers need to do what is best for their future, as they clearly have a desire to get younger and more athletic as they continue to reshape their roster and look to build a new identity.
Kittle has totaled 7,380 yards and 45 touchdowns on 538 receptions over eight seasons with the 49ers.