John Lynch knows San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has staked his claim as the best player at his position in recent years. It might just earn him a record-breaking contract.

Lynch, the 49ers' general manager, said Kittle “isn't going anywhere,” suggesting the Niners will look to reach an extension with Kittle at some point in the near future (via Cameron DaSilva of USA TODAY):

The 49ers haven’t worked out a long-term extension for George Kittle yet, but that doesn’t mean his future with the club is in jeopardy. General manager John Lynch on Thursday joined Joe, Lo and Dibs on 95.7 The Game in San Francisco and explained that Kittle isn’t going to play for another team anytime soon.

“George isn’t going anywhere,” Lynch said. “We’re going to work hard to try to get it done. I think they’ve got motivation just to really reset the tight end market, as do we, for him. It’s just finding that sweet spot, where that is.”

Kittle broke out in 2018 with 88 catches for 1,377 yards for the 49ers, but he was even better in 2019.

The 26-year-old had 85 receptions for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns, but he was also arguably the best run-blocking tight end in football. Kittle also fought through injuries en route to being named First Team All-Pro.

Extending Kittle is a no-brainer for Lynch and the 49ers and their front office. They need to surround quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo with weapons as he continues to build, and Kittle also helps to anchor a rushing attack that ranked second in yards last season.

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The 49ers have options before reaching any sort of ultimatum, but an extension seems preferable sooner, rather than later.

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