The San Francisco 49ers have an underwhelming 2025 campaign, as the team went 6-11 in 2024 and missed the playoffs. The 49ers made some sweeping changes that saw countless contributors either leave town in free agency or via trade.
The Niners will look to add more talent via the NFL Draft, where they hold 11 total picks. That has the attention of members of the organization, while OTAs began on Tuesday. San Francisco had Fred Warner, Trent Will Brock Purdy attend the first session, but George Kittle wasn't present.
GM John Lynch spoke to reporters about Williams being in attendance, and in his response, it looked like he took a jab at Kittle in the process.
He said, "Our entire team is almost here. We need that togetherness. We need that shared sacrifice."
John Lynch Takes Jab at George Kittle
Kittle not being present isn't a shocker. It was reported by Mike Silver that both sides are far apart on contract negotiations. Kittle is in the final year of a five-year, $75 million extension. He's slated to make $22 million this season but is looking to re-up.
While Kittle has been one of the staple players for the 49ers for the past eight years, there isn't a guarantee that he will get another deal with the 49ers.
The fact that Lynch said the team needs that "sacrifice" indicates they don't feel like they are getting that from Kittle.
Even though it's just voluntary workouts at this point, it's always better to have everyone present. Creating that closeness starts now, so Kittle not being there shows he isn't 100% bought in right now. He wants his money, making it hard to blame him, but the NFL is a sticky business.
The 49ers and Kittle are at a crossroads, and he's putting his foot down. And that isn't going over well in the Bay Area.