Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
George Kittle and 49ers Hit the Sweet-Spot and Strike a Deal
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.
The views within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
More San Francisco 49ers News
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San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters on Monday, the day after the team's 24-20 season-opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He provided some injury updates during the Zoom call.
Fans are probably eagerly awaiting an update on George Kittle, and Shanahan provided one.
The All-Pro tight end suffered a knee sprain during the first half against the Cardinals. He left for the locker room just before halftime to be examined. Kittle returned with his teammates in the second half and played for the remainder of the game.
"He has a knee sprain. We'll see how he comes in on Wednesday," Shanahan told reporters. "He was a little sore today, but we'll wait to see how he is on Wednesday to see if he's able to practice or be able to go
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By David Bonilla
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The San Francisco 49ers have released the list of inactive players for their Week 2 matchup at home against the New York Jets. These players will not suit up for Sunday's game.
NFL teams can each have 48 players active on game days. This season, each can promote one of two players from the practice squad up to 90 minutes before kickoff, potentially increasing the active roster up to 55 players. After the game, any elevated player will revert back to the practice squad without having to go through waivers. Teams can do this twice with each player before subjecting him to waivers first.
Among the inactives are tight end George Kittle and pass rusher Dee Ford, who were both ruled out for the game. Kittle is dealing with an MCL sprain and bone bruise,
