George Kittle has been the heart and soul of the San Francisco 49ers since he got drafted, and he’ll continue to be that until at least 2029.
On Tuesday, the 49ers made Kittle the highest-paid tight end in NFL history, giving the six-time Pro Bowler a four-year contract extension worth $76.4 million.
Aside from being a fan favorite and positive presence in the locker room, Kittle warranted a historic deal because of his versatility and production on the field.
The most prolific tight end in franchise history, Kittle holds records for career receptions (538) and receiving yards (7,380) at his position, but what makes him even more special is his blocking.
Kittle is one of the few players in the entire league who can move a defensive lineman at will and run right past a safety in the same game, but the 49ers might have their do-it-all tight end focus more on running routes this season.
“Kittle is really good in pass protection, but you don’t always want to use a guy in pass protection when he’s really good in routes and everything,” coach Kyle Shanahan said per The Mercury News.
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It makes sense that the 49ers want to feed Kittle the rock after giving him a record-setting contract, and the moves they made this offseason also signal more targets for Kittle.
San Francisco has one less mouth to feed after trading star wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The 49ers also signed tight end Luke Farrell, who is used primarily as an extra blocker.
"Come this season, he could be sent on more receiving routes with fewer pass-blocking duties, courtesy of the 49ers' other big financial move thus far this offseason, the signing of free agent Luke Farrell (three years, $16 million)," added The Mercury News' Cam Inman.
Having already eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards four times in his career, it’ll be fascinating to see what Kittle can do with more pass-catching opportunities.
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