The 49ers won big today. George Kittle, the unquestionable best tight-end in the NFL, signed a contract extension to the tune of $15 million a year for 5 years.
It took longer than expected, but the cornerstone to the 49ers offense is now locked in for the long-term. Much was made about the size of Kittle's contract, and debate circulated around his value being comparable to a tight-end or that of a wide-receiver. In the end, the 49ers and Kittle came to a conclusion that I proposed back on June 1st 2020
"Both sides should split the difference between top TE and top WR and meet in the middle, making him the highest paid TE in NFL history with a deal in the range of $15 million a year."
That is exactly how it played out. Kittle signed a 5-year deal worth $75 million. The value was spot on. Kittle is by far the best tight end in the game and now will be paid 1.5x the amount the 2nd highest paid tight end in the game will be making (Austin Hooper averages $10.5 million yearly). There was some talk that Kittle was looking for WR money, and while he produces at that level, the 49ers couldn't afford to pay him the money a top-tier WR would make. According to Over The Cap Kittle's pay day would make him the 12th highest-paid WR:
| Player | Team | Avg./Year |
|---|---|---|
| Julio Jones | Falcons | $22,000,000 |
| Amari Cooper | Cowboys | $20,000,000 |
| Michael Thomas | Saints | $19,250,000 |
| A.J. Green | Bengals | $18,171,000 |
| Tyreek Hill | Chiefs | $18,000,000 |
| Odell Beckham Jr. | Browns | $18,000,000 |
| Mike Evans | Buccaneers | $16,500,000 |
| Brandin Cooks | Texans | $16,200,000 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | Cardinals | $16,200,000 |
| Adam Thielen | Vikings | $16,200,000 |
| Jarvis Landry | Browns | $15,100,000 |
To consider that Jarvis Landry, Adam Thielen, Brandin Cooks, AJ Green and Amari Cooper are being paid more than The People's Tight End, one can only laugh at that. Cheers to GM John Lynch, HC Kyle Shanahan and to the best, and richest, tight-end in football.