George Kittle is the best tight end in football. There is no argument to be made against it. No tight end does for his team what George Kittle does for the San Francisco 49ers.
Kittle is an unstoppable force in the passing game, displaying an elite ability to gain yards after the catch with the ball in his hands. In 2018 Kittle set the NFL record for receiving yards for a tight end with 1,377. That alone exemplifies the value he brings to the offense, but when you pair his ability catching the ball with his blocking ability, you really begin to see what makes Kittle so special.
Not only does Kittle excel on the field, he is essential to the success of the 49ers off the field. Kittle brings a jovial attitude to the game that is infectious. A leader in every sense of the word, he lifts the spirits of the team when it's down and comes up big when it counts. Pay this man all the money.
2019 Performance
An injury caused Kittle to miss 2 games in 2019. In 14 games Kittle posted 85 receptions, 1,053 yards and 5 touchdowns. Pro Football Focus gave George Kittle the highest grade it has ever given a player at any position, a 95.0. There are no comparisons to be made. George Kittle is in a class of his own.
2020 Cost
George Kittle's cap hit for 2020 is $2.2 million. That number may not hold, as there has been plenty of buzz regarding Kittle receiving a contract extension prior to the 2020 season. When he does get paid, Kittle will reset the tight end market which currently pays the highest paid tight ends around $10 million per year. Kittle will make significantly more than that, expect him to be pulling in close to $12-14 million per year. Money well spent.
Future Outlook
Kittle is the future. This man must retire a 49er with a ring or two on his fingers.
Podcast: 49ers with Grant Cohn: Are the 49ers the favorites in the NFC with Trey Lance?
By Rohan Chakravarthi
Mar 24
Rohan Chakravarthi and Grant Cohn discuss whether the 49ers are favorites in the NFC after free agency.
The audio for the show is embedded above, while the video is available below.
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You can listen to "The Rohan Chakravarthi Show" from our
Why decision to return to 49ers was easy for Jake Brendel; Center discusses Javon Hargrave signing
By David Bonilla
Mar 19
Jake Brendel had suitors in free agency. Several teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, were interested in the veteran center. Ultimately, much to the delight of fans, he returned to the Niners, his NFL home since 2020.
Brendel played 1,252 snaps this past season, by far the most of his career. His 62.9 overall, 71.8 pass-blocking, and 61.9 run-blocking Pro Football Focus grades were each the second-highest of his career.
Despite being in the league since 2016, Brendel played just 250 total snaps before this past season, so he lacks the wear and tear of most 30-year-old offensive linemen. The center still feels like his career is just getting started, and his play is on the rise.
"Honestly, I
Jason Kelce: 49ers adding Javon Hargrave "not going to make it any easier" for Eagles
By David Bonilla
Mar 19
Adding Javon Hargrave was a huge (and shocking) addition by the San Francisco 49ers. While it seems like a perfect fit and addresses a significant team need, no one saw it coming. The Niners didn't have considerable salary cap space, so signing Hargrave to a four-year, $84 million deal was unexpected.
The former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle, nicknamed "Grave Digger," joins a defensive line that includes NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead, bolstering the middle of that unit.
One of the defender's former teammates is happy for Hargrave and his financial good fortune. However, he also knows the loss could be problematic for the defending NFC champions in the upcoming season.
"I'm happy for my man, Grave Digger," Eagles
49ers held pre-draft meeting with Minnesota CB Terell Smith
By David Bonilla
Mar 20
The San Francisco 49ers are among the teams to formally meet with Minnesota cornerback Terell Smith ahead of next month's NFL Draft, per Justin Melo of The Draft Network. The incoming NFL rookie also met with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
[email protected] CB @TerellSmith7 reached 21.37 MPH at @ShrineBowl
