San Francisco 49ers’ star tight end George Kittle has set a new record in the National Football League (NFL) by signing a five-year contract extension worth $75 million. This deal makes Kittle the highest-paid tight end in the history of the NFL, surpassing the previous record held by Hunter Henry of the Los Angeles Chargers who was on a franchise tag worth $10.6 million per year.
The 49ers announced the contract extension on August 13, 2020, ending months of speculation about Kittle’s future with the team. The deal includes a $18 million signing bonus, $30 million guaranteed at signing and $40 million in total guarantees.
Kittle, who was drafted by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, has quickly established himself as one of the league’s top tight ends. In just three seasons, he has caught 216 passes for 2,945 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also set the record for the most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season with 1,377 yards in 2018.
The 26-year-old has been a key player for the 49ers, helping them reach Super Bowl LIV in February 2020. His combination of blocking ability and receiving skills make him a unique asset in the team’s offense.
The contract extension is a clear indication of how highly the 49ers value Kittle. General Manager John Lynch said in a statement: “George is a very special player who we are thrilled to keep in red and gold well into the future. His talent and spirit are unique, his will and grit contagious and his production undeniable.”
Kittle’s record-setting contract reflects the increasing importance of the tight end position in the NFL. Traditionally, tight ends were primarily used as blockers, but in recent years they have become key targets in the passing game. Kittle’s ability to excel in both areas has made him one of the most valuable players in the league.
The deal also sets a new benchmark for future contracts for tight ends. Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce, who is widely considered one of the top tight ends in the league along with Kittle, signed a four-year extension worth $57.25 million just hours after Kittle’s deal was announced. However, Kittle’s contract still stands as the richest in NFL history for a tight end.
In conclusion, George Kittle’s record-breaking contract with the 49ers is a testament to his exceptional talent and the increasing value of the tight end position in the NFL. It sets a new standard for contracts at his position and is likely to have a significant impact on future negotiations for top tight ends.