NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported that Kittle is now in the building and ready to participate in offseason conditioning. This phase of the program is voluntary, and Rapoport noted that negotiations between Kittle and the 49ers on a new deal are ongoing.
Once the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft ended, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Kittle had returned to the team.
Kittle is coming off his fourth career 1,000-yard season, finishing 2024 with 1,106 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 78 catches. Now entering his ninth NFL season, he's likely aiming to reclaim the title of the league's highest-paid tight end.
He previously held that distinction after signing a five-year, $75 million extension in 2020. Since then, however, three tight ends have surpassed that mark—most recently, Trey McBride, who now earns $19 million annually.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers add YAC threat in new 2026 NFL mock draft
Trevor Sikkema has released his latest 2026 NFL mock draft for Pro Football Focus, projecting the San Francisco 49ers to target another dynamic weapon for quarterback Brock Purdy. After trading away wide receiver Deebo Samuel this past offseason, and with Brandon Aiyuk's future... -
49ers great Roger Craig named 2026 Hall of Fame finalist
San Francisco 49ers legend Roger Craig took a significant step toward football immortality on Wednesday. The former NFL running back was named one of five finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, joining senior finalists Ken Anderson and L.C. Greenwood, coach... -
49ers' Shanahan still hopes Aiyuk returns this season—but isn't counting on it
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch didn't sound particularly optimistic Tuesday morning when discussing wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's chances of returning this season. Appearing on Bay Area radio station KNBR, Lynch emphasized that while he remains hopeful, he can't... -
49ers' Brock Purdy may have a request for Mac Jones, explains sideline arm brace
Last year, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy surprised his offensive linemen with Toyota vehicles—an extravagant gesture considering he had not yet signed his lucrative contract extension. Of course, Purdy was an endorsement partner for Toyota at the time, meaning...