The San Francisco 49ers face a crucial offseason after falling short of the playoffs this year. They dealt with a rash of injuries and the dreaded "Super Bowl hangover" but still have a strong foundation complemented by one of the best coaching staffs and front offices in the NFL.
Some obvious improvements need to be made, and the 49ers need to stabilize a foundation built around aging players. One of those guys, five-time All-Pro tight end George Kittle, is entering the final year of his contract. He's spent his entire eight-year career in San Francisco and just had one of his best seasons ever, so the 49ers can't afford to lose him.
Luckily, Kittle sounds like he wants to stay. Appearing on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams, Kittle revealed that his agent is in communication with the organization about a contract extension.
What's keeping #49ers brass from talking contract extension with TE George Kittle??
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 6, 2025
George: "I have no idea, I just work here." 😳@heykayadams @gkittle46 @49ers | #FTTB pic.twitter.com/5rOOnX2a7p
George Kittle Reveals He's Talking to 49ers About Contract Extension
"You're entering the last year of your contract," Adams said. "I know you want to retire as a Niner, yes? What's happening?"
Kittle promptly confirmed that he "would love to" spend his entire career in San Francisco. He started to dodge the question before saying, "No, I think there's been talking." Kittle asserted that his agent and the franchise are on the same page before declaring that "I just work here" and passing responsibility off to his agent.
It makes sense for Kittle to play a bit coy, but those comments are as close to an indication that an extension is on the horizon that you'll get. With the news that Christian McCaffrey is expected to have a full workload this offseason, it appears that the 49ers are gearing up for another run at the Super Bowl in 2025.
Kittle just caught 78 passes for 1,106 yards and eight TDs, his highest receiving total since 2018. He clearly has chemistry with Brock Purdy and should remain a focal point of San Francisco's aeiral attack. Still only 31 years old, Kittle has multiple years of elite production left under his belt and the 49ers need to take advantage.
The elephant in the room is Purdy's potential extension. The 49ers have benefitted from his seventh-round contract value and have to pay him soon, which could force the front office to make some difficult decisions elsewhere on the roster.
By all accounts though, Kittle's contract is a priority and should get done regardless of what happens with Purdy.