All-Pro tight end George Kittle has signed a major contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers that will net him $76.4 million over four years.
The deal, first reported by FanDuel’s “Bussin’ With The Boys,” comes with $40 million guaranteed, including a $35 million signing bonus, and will make him the NFL’s highest-paid tight end. The Niners confirmed the signing Tuesday morning.
Kittle did not report for the start of the team’s voluntary workouts last week, fueling speculation that he was holding out for a new contract. However, he was in attendance with his teammates on Friday, an indication that talks had potentially taken a positive turn.
The eight-year veteran will have the four additional years tacked onto his existing contract, potentially keeping him in San Francisco through the 2029 season.
“In 2017, our first year with the 49ers, we selected a skinny tight end from Iowa whom we were really excited about. We had high hopes, but no one knew that he would become the player that he is today,” Niners GM John Lynch said in a statement.
“George’s leadership, enthusiasm for the game, for his teammates, and the Faithful are truly unique and special. He is an outstanding representation for the 49ers on the field and is an outstanding representative for the organization off the field with his investment in the local and military communities. He has a great sense of pride in his role and has put in the work to be one of the best tight ends in the NFL.”
With the Kittle extension complete, the Niners will now turn their attention to completing a new deal with quarterback Brock Purdy.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: George Kittle, 49ers agree to 4-year, $76.4M contract extension
