That's when interpretations started flying around.
And then there was cornerback Richard Sherman's reaction to the exchange.
Is Kittle trying to court Brown, who isn't exactly on great terms with the Steelers? The 49ers certainly are in need of a true No. 1 wide receiver — a profile which Brown certainly fits.
Even if general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan were onboard with the possibility of adding a player like Brown, the receiver has three years remaining on his contract. The Steelers would have to want to part ways with Brown, and because of the way his contract is structured, Pittsburgh would have to eat $21.12 million if they traded or cut him.
So, there's that roadblock.
Then there is the personality issue, which is already being compared to former 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens. Would Brown even be a good locker room fit in San Francisco? He did not play in Sunday's finale against the Cincinnati Bengals after an altercation with another player and skipping out on multiple team meetings and practices leading up to the game.
Of course, maybe Kittle was just saying hello.
And maybe Brown was really, really flattered.
The Steelers made Brown a sixth-round draft pick out of Central Michigan in 2010. The nine-year veteran has finished each of his past six seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards and done so in seven of his nine NFL seasons. Brown has 11,207 career receiving yards with 74 touchdowns.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Where 49ers TE George Kittle landed in PFF's top 101 players of 2025
Pro Football Focus (PFF) continues unveiling its top 101 players from the 2025 NFL season, revealing rankings from No. 21 through No. 101. The top 20 will be announced on Friday. Another San Francisco 49ers standout has officially made the list. Tight end George Kittle checked... -
49ers' George Kittle is PFF's top TE — but can he return to form?
When it comes to elite NFL tight ends, George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers still sets the standard. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Kittle was the highest-graded tight end in 2025, earning a stellar 90.7 offensive grade. Even in an injury-shortened campaign, the... -
49ers' George Kittle posts one-word reaction after Seahawks hire Brian Fleury
The San Francisco 49ers are losing a key member of head coach Kyle Shanahan's staff to an NFC West rival. On Sunday, it was reported that the Seattle Seahawks are hiring 49ers run game coordinator and tight ends coach Brian Fleury as their new offensive coordinator. He... -
49ers tabbed as best fit for former Eagles, Steelers O-lineman
The San Francisco 49ers are widely expected to address their offensive line this offseason, with many analysts projecting the team to invest a premium draft pick in the unit. However, ESPN analyst Matt Bowen believes part of the solution could come through NFL free...