George Kittle has never hidden his desire to finish his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers. After eight standout seasons, the veteran tight end took a major step toward that goal by signing a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension.
Speaking on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast, Kittle confirmed the new deal, which includes $40 million in guaranteed money. It also lowers his previously scheduled 2025 cap hit of over $22 million—nearly $10 million more than his highest prior number.
“This is where I want to be,” Kittle told ESPN back in January. “My goal is to wear the red and gold my entire career.”
While the extension doesn’t guarantee Kittle will retire as a 49er, it puts him in prime position to reach at least 10 years with the team. Only 51 players have done that since the 49ers were founded in 1946, with tackle Joe Staley the last to join the group in 2017.
Kittle will begin his ninth NFL season in 2025. One more year after that would put him in the 10-year club—something he’s described as “a huge goal.”
If his recent form is any indication, Kittle is far from slowing down. In 2024, he ranked third among tight ends in receiving yards (1,106), tied for second in touchdowns (8), and led all tight ends in yards per catch (14.2). He earned a sixth Pro Bowl selection and a fifth career All-Pro nod (second team).
Kittle also became just the fifth tight end in league history with four or more 1,000-yard seasons, joining Travis Kelce, Rob Gronkowski, Tony Gonzalez, and Jason Witten. His 7,380 career receiving yards now rank second all-time among tight ends through eight seasons, trailing only Kelce.
“He’s better with time—like fine wine,” said linebacker Fred Warner. “He’s always been great, but the plays he’s making now are phenomenal.”
Drafted in the fifth round in 2017, Kittle has become one of the cornerstones of the 49ers franchise. With this new deal, he’ll have the chance to continue building his legacy where it all began—and where he hopes it ends.
Photo: Perry Knotts/Getty Images
