[Report] George Kittle & 49ers Aren't "Close At All" On New Deal

George Kittle has asserted himself as the best tight end in the NFL, and at some point, he should be the highest-paid player at the position..

But according to NFL Network's Mike Silver (h/t NFL.com's Jeremy Bergman), Kittle and the San Francisco 49ers are "not close at all" on a new contract.

The 26-year-old Kittle is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and he's slated to hit free agency in 2021. Because he wasn't a first-round pick, Kittle's contract doesn't include a fifth-year option.

It's a bit surprising to hear that the 49ers and Kittle haven't made any progress. He's only entering his prime years now, and Kittle has been the team's best player over these past two seasons.

In his 2018 sophomore year, Kittle recorded a whopping 1,377 receiving yards - the most ever for a tight end in a single season. He followed it up with 85 receptions for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns, helping the 49ers reach Super Bowl LIV - where they eventually fell to the Kansas City Chiefs.

According to Spotrac.com, Hunter Henry of the Los Angeles Chargers is currently the highest-paid tight end at $10.607 million, having received the franchise tag in the offseason.

RELATED: Forbes: Roger Federer Is The Highest-Paid Athlete Of 2020

Pro Bowler Austin Hooper - who signed a four-year, $44 million deal with the Cleveland Browns in free agency - is right behind Henry at $10.5 million. Chiefs superstar Travis Kelce is the third highest-paid tight end at approx. $9.368 million. In all, 12 different NFL tight ends are slated to make at least $7 million in 2020.

One way or another, the 49ers have to find a way to secure Kittle on a long-term deal. He's been a valuable part of their resurgence to the NFC's elite, and Kyle Shanahan's offense relies aplenty on Kittle's skill sets. Jimmy Garoppolo simply doesn't have another playmaker of Kittle's caliber to work with.

There's still plenty of time to get a deal done, however. 49ers fans shouldn't get too concerned just yet.

NEXT: [Report] Dallas Cowboys Offered Dak Prescott Five-Year, $175 Million Contract

from TheRichest - Feed https://ift.tt/3ci98Jx