George Kittle relishes drama-free 49ers offseason

The San Francisco 49ers—and their fans—have grown accustomed to offseason contract standoffs with their star players in recent years. But in 2025, the team avoided that familiar drama by locking up key contributors early, ensuring minimal distractions heading into training camp.

The 49ers locked in three foundational pieces—quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and linebacker Fred Warner—before the end of their offseason program. For Kittle, getting those deals finalized early was a much-welcomed shift.

"My favorite thing about the contracts, you knocked out me, Purdy, and Fred Warner all before May was over, and I loved that," Kittle told SiriusXM NFL Radio. "Getting the guys done so all you have to do is focus about football, because when you go through a contract negotiation, it's hard not to have that be like the only thing that you think about. It's a weight on your shoulders. You try not to let it be a distraction, but it's hard not to think about that because they're not the most comfortable conversations all the time.

"So when you knock those out, and the guys have the entire offseason and summer just to focus on football—'How am I going to get in the best shape? How am I going to be at my best this year?'—and not have any other external stressors, that's how you can let guys get on a roll and into a rhythm going into training camp. So I'm excited about that."

Kittle praises Purdy's journey—and payday

Kittle also expressed excitement about the lack of quarterback-related drama this offseason, especially with the 49ers rewarding Brock Purdy with a record-setting five-year, $265 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in franchise history.

"I'm so excited for Brock," Kittle shared. "One of the coolest things about Brock, early in his career, that people don't really talk about—he was the last pick in the draft, and he came in and he earned the number three spot on our team as a quarterback. He beat out a vet. He wasn't going to the practice squad. He won that spot initially.

"So then, he was basically the practice squad quarterback all year, and he was slicing, dicing our defense for the first six weeks. He was. That's what he was doing. And then, when he finally got his opportunity [in Week 13], he didn't look back, and he was ready for that moment, the way that he studies, and it's never really changed.

"His operation has been more streamlined, just because he's matured and he's figured that part out. But he's been the same guy ever since I've met him, and so, that makes me happy."

Drafted, developed, and rewarded

Kittle, Purdy, and Warner were all drafted by the 49ers, and Kittle emphasized his appreciation for the team rewarding homegrown talent. Purdy's new deal shows the team is willing to do so regardless of draft status.

"They draft you because they want you to perform," Kittle said. "He's done nothing but perform, he's done nothing but win football games, and he's played at a really high level. So kudos to him. Kudos to the Niners for getting it done."