George Kittle and the 49ers working on contract extension, per John Lynch

George Kittle is reportedly engaged in contract negotiations with the San Francisco 49ers.

George Kittle has been a hot topic of discussion for the San Francisco 49ers this offseason with the superstar tight end due for a contract extension in the near future.

But as training camp is set to begin as we sit here in late July, Kittle remains extension-less in San Francisco.

The 49ers undoubtedly had other things on their minds this offseason. From the DeForest Buckner trade to the Joe Staley/Trent Williams situation, general manager John Lynch had his hands full.

Obviously extending his incredibly underpaid star tight end was a major priority. But given the uncertain nature of this offseason, it was put on the back burner for a little while.

Fortunately, it appears as though the two sides may be nearing a deal — perhaps before the start of the season.

Lynch told reporters on Tuesday that the two have “exchanged ideas” and that the “planning is coming” but that he doesn’t have a timetable yet.

He later insisted that Kittle was “planning on coming [to training camp]” and that they were “going to continue to work” on an extension.

Kittle is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is set to make just over $2 million in 2020. Evidently, that salary is well below the figure that he’s actually worth.

Whenever George Kittle receives his extension from the 49ers, expect it to be a massive deal.

Rumors surrounding the exact dollar figure of Kittle’s future extension have varied with some indicating that he’ll be looking for elite wide receiver money.

While that might be a stretch, it’s clear that he’s worth considerably more than what he’s currently making and whatever it is will likely shatter the tight end market.

And at the end of the day, it’s hard to say that he’s not worth it.

Kittle recorded his second consecutive 1,000-yard season in 2019 hauling in 85 catches for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns despite the fact that he missed two games.

This came one year after he posted an 88-catch, 1,377-yard, five-touchdown season in 2018. Combine that with his impact in the running game as a blocker and you have a player who deserves to be the highest-paid tight end in the game.

And soon he will likely hold that distinction.