George Kittle reports to 49ers for offseason program

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle rejoined his teammates in Santa Clara on Friday to participate in the team's offseason program that began earlier in the week. There was speculation that Kittle's absence at the start might be contract-related, as the tight end enters the final year of his current deal. He and the team have expressed interest in working out an extension.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported that Kittle is now in the building and ready to participate in offseason conditioning. This phase of the program is voluntary, and Rapoport noted that negotiations between Kittle and the 49ers on a new deal are ongoing.

Once the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft ended, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Kittle had returned to the team.

Kittle is coming off his fourth career 1,000-yard season, finishing 2024 with 1,106 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 78 catches. Now entering his ninth NFL season, he's likely aiming to reclaim the title of the league's highest-paid tight end.

He previously held that distinction after signing a five-year, $75 million extension in 2020. Since then, however, three tight ends have surpassed that mark—most recently, Trey McBride, who now earns $19 million annually.