George Kittle has been a versatile player for the San Francisco 49ers and he wants to be paid as such. According to NFL Network's Mike Silver, Kittle is eyeing a deal that pays him for being more than just a tight end.
The @49ers and @gkittle46 remain far apart on a contract extension… and Kittle's agent says a 'tight-end deal' is a non-starter. @nflnetwork @NFLTotalAccess pic.twitter.com/pAOqDbu5KL
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) May 29, 2020
Back in the 2017 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected Kittle in the fifth round out of Iowa. It goes without saying that the former Hawkeye has been an absolute steal for San Francisco in his first three seasons in the NFL.
Over the course of his rookie season, Kittle hauled in 43 passes for 515 yards and two touchdowns. Then, in just the past two seasons alone, Kittle has combined for 173 receptions, 2,430 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Due to his emergence in the past two seasons, Kittle is considered by many to be the most well-rounded tight end in the NFL. Besides his receiving ability, the former fifth-round selection is also a remarkable run-blocker for the 49ers. Given that, Kittle is seeking a deal that pays him what he's worth.
Earlier this offseason, Austin Hooper signed a four-year, $42 million contract with the Cleveland Browns — making him the highest-paid tight end in terms of average salary. In addition, Hunter Henry of the Los Angeles Chargers will make $10.6 million in 2020 after receiving the franchise tag.
While those guys are increasing the market for tight ends, Kittle has his sights on getting a deal that rewards him for his versatility. Therefore, if San Francisco wants to secure Kittle for the long-term, they may have to pay him similar to a wide receiver. That could result in the 49ers dynamic tight end netting upwards of $20 million a season.
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