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There is no doubt in NFL Insider Ian Rapoport's mind that
George Kittle will eventually become the highest-paid tight end in NFL history. That hasn't happened yet because talks between Kittle and the San Francisco 49ers have stalled.
While Kittle plays the tight end position, he is so much more. He is the 49ers' best receiver and one of their best blockers. Kittle can do it all, so he and his agent aren't using the tight end market to determine his value.
Some have speculated that Kittle's agent
could be seeking a contract that is somewhere between offensive linemen and wide receiver money. That would put Kittle around $18 million annually, which would be $6.5 million more than the highest-paid tight end.
Some wonder if Kittle's camp is seeking even more than that.
Rapoport, who joined 95.7 The Game on Thursday, can't envision that scenario coming to fruition.
"I get it. He is a very willing blocker," Rapoport told Damon Bruce, Ray Ratto, and Matt Kolsky. "Actually, he's developed into a great blocker. But he's also one of the best receivers in the NFL, so I'm sure he'll want to get paid [like] that.
"The problem is, that argument, historically, getting paid like a position that you are not, has not worked. It's the same one Le'Veon Bell wanted to make when he was trying to get paid like a top slot receiver and a running back.
"It might be true, and I think it is true. George Kittle deserves all the money. He is a great player. It's just, historically, it's an uphill battle to make that argument. So I do think he'll be incredibly well-paid. I just don't think it will be $20 million."
Rapoport also notes that an unpredictable 2020 season for the NFL could be impacting what teams are willing to spend on players. Will the NFL feature fans in stadiums? Will the season need to be shortened? Will it happen at all? There are too many uncertainties, which could all impact future salary caps.
"If the season happens as we think it will, which is in its entirety, but with no or limited fans, it would mainly be next year's salary cap that would be affected by that," Rapoport said. "And the NFL and the NFLPA would have to get together and see if they can figure out how to smooth those numbers over."
The San Francisco 49ers are in good shape for 2024 when it comes to the wide receiver position. What that room looks like after this coming season remains to be seen. Most believe the 49ers will give Brandon Aiyuk a new contract around the start of training camp. But there are no guarantees. As it was reported on Friday, Aiyuk unfollowed the 49ers on Instagram, much like Deebo Samuel did two years ago.
It seems to be how modern-day players negotiate. It's not necessarily anything to be concerned about, but you never truly know how these things will end. There is still potential that the 49ers could trade the star receiver in the next couple of weeks.
If Aiyuk is extended, it
Ian Rapoport didn't offer much of an update on the ongoing contract negotiations between the San Francisco 49ers and their standout wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk. However, the NFL insider emphasized one thing: The team is not entertaining trade discussions at this juncture.
Reacting to Aiyuk's decision to unfollow the 49ers on Instagram, Rapoport couldn't help but chuckle at the latest development. This practice has become commonplace among players who are unhappy with their contract situations. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel similarly took this action in 2022 before requesting to be traded just before the draft.
Things have yet to escalate that far with Aiyuk, but Rapoport sees his
On Wednesday, Chat Sports contributor Chase Senior reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers were "aggressively pursuing" San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. He further stated that the Steelers are confident they can finalize a deal for the star player.
REPORTS: The Pittsburgh Steelers are aggressively pursuing a Brandon Aiyuk trade and the Steelers would be "surprised" if they don't land Aiyuk. Of note: Pittsburgh has the 20th overall pick. The Niners could look at that as equal value for Aiyuk if they can't get a deal done.…
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel will be wearing No. 1 the next time he steps onto the football field, leaving behind his No. 19 jersey. It's an unfortunate change for any fan who previously invested in a Deebo jersey—unless they consider it a throwback.
Newly signed wide receiver Trent Taylor quickly claimed No. 19 after rejoining the team on a one-year deal following three seasons elsewhere. Taylor last wore No. 15 with the 49ers, a number currently worn by wide receiver Jauan Jennings. Taylor also wore No. 81 with the team.
The 49ers' official team site has listed the jersey numbers for several of the team's free-agent newcomers (and Maliek Collins, acquired via a
