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The NFL tight end market has seen a significant shift in valuation recently.
George Kittle has secured his position as the highest paid tight end in the league with a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension signed with the San Francisco 49ers, confirmed this Tuesday.
Kittle’s contract includes $40 million guaranteed, and his average annual value (AAV) of $19.1 million surpasses that of other prominent tight ends like Arizona’s Trey McBride and Kansas City’s Travis Kelce.
McBride recently agreed to a four-year, $76 million contract extension, which guarantees him $32.5 million and an AAV of $19 million, while Kelce’s AAV stands at $17.1 million.
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Kittle’s rise has been noteworthy.
“In 2017, we selected a promising tight end from Iowa, and we had aspirations for him,” said John Lynch, the 49ers’ general manager, in a statement. “What he has achieved surpasses our expectations. His dedication has solidified his status as one of the finest tight ends in the league.”
Looking ahead, the 49ers must now consider offering a long-term extension to quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy is entering the last year of his rookie contract, which comes with a salary of $5.346 million.
At 31, Kittle stood out as one of the few highlights during the 49ers’ challenging 6-11 season, which was plagued by injuries across the roster.
Key players struggled with injuries: All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey participated in only four games, and essential contributors like wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and safety Talanoa Tufanga were limited to seven games, while linebacker Dre Greenlaw appeared in just two. As a result, the team dropped to 13th in scoring and 29th in points allowed, a sharp decline after their successful Super Bowl bid the previous year.
Despite these setbacks, Kittle recorded 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2024 season. He led all tight ends in yards per reception (14.2), tied for second in touchdown catches, and finished third in receiving yards, earning him a place as a second-team All-Pro for the fifth time in his career.
Kittle expressed his intention to continue his career “until the wheels fall off,” noting that reaching a decade with the 49ers is a significant ambition.
Kittle’s accomplishments have placed him among an elite group of tight ends, marking his fourth season with over 1,000 receiving yards. He joins the ranks of elite players such as Kelce, Rob Gronkowski, Tony Gonzalez, and Jason Witten—though Kelce leads with seven such seasons, the others are retired.
Kelce remains the highest-earning tight end in NFL history with earnings totaling $93.95 million. He recently signed a two-year, $34.25 million extension with the Kansas City Chiefs that will keep him with the team through 2025.
The 49ers have a track record of compensating their standout tight ends; Vernon Davis, who enjoyed a long career with the franchise, accumulated $78.7 million over his time in the league, ranking just behind Kelce.
Davis was drafted sixth overall in 2006 and amassed impressive statistics, with 583 receptions for 7,562 yards and 63 touchdowns. He led the NFL in touchdown receptions in 2009, marking one of his two Pro Bowl selections.
Currently, only Zach Ertz of Washington, with earnings of $74.8 million, surpasses Kittle and Kelce among active tight ends. Ertz recently signed a one-year, $6.25 million extension in March.
With Kittle’s contract finalized, the 49ers’ off-field plans seem to be on track. Just before the 2024 season commenced, they secured offensive tackle Trent Williams on a three-year, $82.66 million extension, as well as Aiyuk with a four-year, $120 million deal.
Looking ahead, decisions regarding Purdy and potentially McCaffrey’s future will be crucial. McCaffrey’s situation, in particular, remains unclear due to his injury-laden 2024 season, despite having signed a two-year, $38 million extension last June, which includes an opt-out option following the 2025 season.
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