The San Francisco 49ers are seemingly in a stalemate with five-time All-Pro tight end George Kittle, whose contract dispute is causing drama ahead of the start of the 2025 NFL Draft. The 31-year-old star has spent his entire eight-year career with the franchise, though it could soon come to an end.
Kittle has just one year left on his contract and wants a mammoth extension. However, the 49ers are balking at the request and playing hardball. Despite Kittle's leadership and excellent production, there's reason to believe his best days are behind him, given his age.
Perhaps San Francisco intends to draft his eventual replacement this week. Regardless, one new projected trade surprisingly sees the 49ers move on from one of their longest-tenured veterans.
San Francisco 49ers
Los Angeles Chargers49ers Trade George Kittle to Chargers in Projected Trade Before Draft
In this projected trade, the 49ers send Kittle and the latter of their two 4th-round picks to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a third-rounder (No. 86) and a fifth-rounder (No. 158). Fans may balk at that price, though it saves San Francisco the cap space from extending him while maintaining double-digit selections in this draft.
Kittle was a second-team All-Pro just last year and has a remarkable 538 catches for 7,380 yards and 45 TDs during his tenure. It'd be painful to let him go, though smart organizations sell high, and this is an opportunity to avoid paying Kittle top dollar before his inevitable decline begins.
Los Angeles has an obvious need at tight end. Kittle fits the style of play that Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh embodies, so it makes sense for both sides. After losing Deebo Samuel, the 49ers are preparing for a rebuild centered around quarterback Brock Purdy's eventual extension. It'd be wise to start targeting young players to build around, and paying exorbitant salaries for aging players isn't the best way to do business in this league.
San Francisco's Super Bowl window with this core has closed. They need to make changes, and that means painful decisions are necessary. If Kittle and the organization can't come to an agreement, a trade makes the most sense.
No fan wants to see this happen, though the 49ers may have no choice. At the least, this would give them extra draft capital to continue building the roster for the future in hopes of sustainable success.