George Kittle’s contract situation: What’s next for the 49ers?

The San Francisco 49ers are facing a critical juncture as they handle a complicated contract situation with their star tight end, George Kittle. As he enters the final year of his current contract, Kittle has made it clear that he aims to become the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. With the NFL Draft set to commence later today and rumours circulating about the 49ers possibly trading down their first-round pick, there is growing speculation about Kittle’s future—and whether he might be traded.

Why does Kittle want a new contract?

Kittle, a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro, Kittle has been a pivotal and ever-present figure in the 49ers’ offense since joining the team in 2017. Last season, he notched 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns, marking his fourth career 1,000-yard season and his value in San Francisco’s system is as big as it has ever been.

Kittle’s existing five-year, $75 million contract, agreed in 2020, initially set the benchmark for tight end salaries. However, the market has since evolved and he now seeks to surpass the four-year, $76 million contract recently secured by the Cardinals’ Trey McBride. Reports indicate that negotiations between Kittle and the 49ers are at an impasse, with his absence from voluntary workouts suggesting increasing discord.

Compounding the issue is the 49ers’ salary cap predicament. The team boasts a roster replete with high-earning stars, including Nick Bosa ($170 million), Trent Williams ($138.06 million) and Fred Warner ($95.225 million). Kittle’s current contract imposes a $22 million cap hit in 2025, second only to Warner’s $29.2 million.

And that’s not even mentioning the impending extension of Brock Purdy, who is likely to warrant a substantial contract either this year or next, in which he’ll most likely become one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the NFL.

The 49ers have previously demonstrated adept cap management, such as restructuring Kittle’s contract in 2024 to liberate $9.752 million by converting $12.19 million of his salary into a signing bonus. While similar strategies might be employed again, another ground-breaking extension for Kittle could jeopardise their capacity to retain other crucial players.

NFL Draft implications and trade speculations

The impending NFL Draft introduces an additional layer of complexity to the situation. With the 11th overall pick, the 49ers are rumoured to be contemplating a trade down to acquire more selections, which, given their ageing roster, feels a fairly smart move. This strategy could enable them to address various roster requirements, potentially including a young tight end as a contingency in case Kittle’s contract dispute remains unresolved.

Should talks reach an impasse, trading Kittle becomes a viable option. Following another outstanding season, his trade value is exceptionally high, potentially commanding something like a second-round pick or other significant assets. Teams in dire need of a transformative tight end would eagerly pursue his unique combination of receiving prowess and blocking expertise. Moreover, a trade could alleviate substantial cap space for San Francisco.

However, parting with Kittle would not be without repercussions. His contributions on the field and his leadership in the locker room are invaluable and difficult to replicate. The 49ers would need to carefully balance any potential trade return against the immediate detriment to their Super Bowl ambitions.

As the 49ers deliberate their next move, several factors come into play. At 31, Kittle is still performing at an elite level, but the demanding nature of the tight end position raises concerns about his long-term durability. A lengthy extension could pose risks if his performance declines, especially given that the 49ers already face the league’s highest dead money total of $80.9 million for 2025. This financial burden may make them wary of committing to another substantial contract for an ageing player.

Historically, the 49ers have managed to resolve contract disputes,but General Manager John Lynch has indicated a more prudent approach this off-season following last year’s significant expenditures. Despite this, Lynch has expressed a strong desire to retain Kittle, stating, “We want George to retire a Niner. He’s a Niner through and through.”

The forthcoming NFL Draft could provide insights into the 49ers’ strategy. Should they select a tight end early or opt to trade down for additional picks, it might suggest they are preparing for the possibility of trading Kittle. Conversely, if they focus on other positions, it could indicate a commitment to retaining him, potentially through another contract restructure or a resolution later in the summer.

Ultimately, the 49ers must balance their aspirations for a championship with the realities of the salary cap. Extending Kittle, trading him or allowing him to play out the 2025 season are all plausible scenarios. For now, the Draft and ongoing negotiations will be pivotal in determining the future of one of San Francisco’s most prominent stars.